'He's a Freak!': Everyone At Ohio State Is Raving About Jeremiah Smith
It hasn't taken long for five-star freshman Jeremiah Smith to impress his teammates.
Barely weeks into his arrival in Columbus and before spring practice has really even begun, Smith is already being held up in high esteem by his teammates for his incredible physical gifts and athleticism.
So much so, that just about everyone on the team is calling him the same thing - a freak.
@Jermiah_Smith1 - X
“Freak. Freak athlete," receiver Emeka Egbuka said. "There’s nothing he can’t do. He runs fast. He jumps high. He’s strong. He’s a natural pass-catcher. I mean, yeah, he’s a freak... He’s very coachable. He’s always willing to listen. He always puts his best foot forward every single day. He hates to lose. He’s a competitor, which is huge, especially in Zone 6. I think he has a bright future here.”
Quarterback Devin Brown echoed that sentiment, and is excited to get to work with the team's newest weapon.
“He’s a freak. He’s gonna be next level," Brown said. 'I mean, that guy handles things the right way and does everything right in the weight room. I was throwing with him yesterday and every time I throw to him it’s like, “Geez, this kid’s a stud. He’s gonna be a freak.’ He’s super smooth. He’s super athletic. He’s a big kid. He can snag it literally anywhere. He was making a couple of one-handers yesterday, and I was like, ‘Wow.’ The kid is just freaky.”
That said, there might not be anyone more excited to get to work with Smith than new transfer QB - and presumed starter - Will Howard.
Coming from Kansas State, Howard had some talent at his disposal in terms of pass catchers. That said, he had nothing in Manhattan like he currently has in Columbus.
By all accounts, Smith is no exception, and Howard is excited to utilize him on the field.
“He’s a dude," Howard said. 'Man, he’s a specimen. I mean, that dude is a freak show when it comes to physical. I’m excited to see him out on the field in live action.”
But how soon can Smith get on the field and make a difference? For most freshmen, it would probably take some time.
Even Marvin Harrison Jr. - who was widely considered the best receiver last season and is a lock to be a top-5 NFL Draft pick - took some time to make a true impact.
Harrison only had 11 catches for 139 yards and three touchdowns in his first year with the Buckeyes, with over half of that production coming in the Rose Bowl vs. Utah when he had six catches for 71 yards and all three touchdowns.
However, according to head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes are expecting big things from him
“He’s jumped right in. You’ve seen the talent. The talent is there," Day said. "He and (receivers coach Brian Hartline) will continue to build on that and grow on that. He’s had a great approach so far. We are certainly expecting big things from him.”
