One of the proudest traditions in the Ohio State football program is the removal of the ‘Black Stripe’ for incoming freshmen and transfers. The first time an incoming Buckeye steps foot on the field, a black stripe is placed over the red stripe on their helmet. When a player proves they are worthy enough of joining the Buckeye Brotherhood, that black stripe is removed. On Thursday, March 21, freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith became the fastest player in Ohio State history to get their black stripe removed. Ohio State coaches and players have praised the freshman throughout camp.
Jeremiah Smith has certainly become THE topic of the wide receiver room.
Brian Hartline: “I love the way he corrects mistakes, it’s very veteran-like.”
Brandon Inniss: “He’s a different caliber…I feel like some way he has to play because he’ll just better the team.” pic.twitter.com/MFix6pGaCE
— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) March 21, 2024
Ohio State Freshman Jeremiah Smith Living Up to The Hype Already
After just four practices, freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith became the first player to get their black stripe removed in 2024 for the Buckeyes. The timing of this announcement was so fast that Smith had his black stripe removed before star-studded transfers Caleb Downs, Quinshon Judkins, and Will Howard. Smith enters his first collegiate season with an immense amount of hype after being ranked the number one overall recruit in the 2024 class and being announced as MaxPreps Florida High School Player of The Year.
An absolute baller is joining Zone 6, welcome to the Brotherhood, @Jermiah_Smith1 pic.twitter.com/IFpeRJ87Xs
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) March 21, 2024
The main headline out of Ohio State’s spring camp has been the blazing play of Jeremiah Smith. Measuring in at 6’3 215 pounds, Smith brings the Buckeyes size, speed, and physicality on the outside. He has also been praised for his highlight real-type plays displaying top-tier athleticism and coordination. Smith not only brings a physical presence to the Buckeye receiver room but has also been praised for his veteran-like approach and intelligence, further explaining how he achieved this honor at a record pace.
Ohio State Starting Receiver Spot Up for Grabs
With the departure of superstar receiver Marvin Harrison Jr, and rotational receivers Xavier Johnson, and Julian Fleming, wide receiver coach Brian Hartline and the Buckeyes will be starting new faces on the outside this season. The Buckeyes generally run 11 personnel (1 Running Back, 1 Tight End), meaning three receivers will be on the field for most of the game. Star Receiver Emeka Egbuka will be returning for his senior year with the Buckeyes and will most certainly remain the Buckeyes starter in the Slot. The two outside receiver spots appear to be up for grabs between Carnell Tate, Jayden Ballard, and Jeremiah Smith. Sophomore wide receiver Brandon Innis might also be in that mix, but we’ve mostly seen him take work in the slot with Egbuka.
The Ohio State 2024 LiFEsports Spring Game will take place on Saturday, April 13 at The Horseshoe. All eyes will be on Jeremiah Smith as he looks to become the next legendary wide receiver for The Ohio State Buckeyes.
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