Brian Hartline, the wide receivers coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has been thoroughly impressed by the distinct talents displayed by freshman Jeremiah Smith during his initial three months with the team. Smith’s remarkable speed, agility, and comprehension of the game have sparked excitement regarding his potential accomplishments in the upcoming 2024 season.
Having served as the Ohio State wide receivers coach since 2018, Hartline has overseen the development of numerous exceptionally skilled receivers in college football. Smith has already left a positive impression on Hartline within his first three months with the team.
Hartline expressed his admiration for Smith’s approach, his inquisitive nature, and his ability to learn from mistakes and make corrections, which he likened to that of a seasoned veteran. Despite being ranked as the top prospect in the 2024 class by various recruiting sites, Smith will need to earn a more substantial role in his first year due to the considerable talent present within the Buckeyes’ receiving corps.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day also commended Smith’s performance on the practice field, indicating excitement about his future prospects. Smith’s early success was further highlighted when he removed his black stripe— a tradition introduced by former head coach Urban Meyer in 2018— after just four practices, making it the fastest any Buckeye player had done so previously.
Joining Smith in this milestone were transfers Caleb Down from Alabama and Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss. However, Smith faces tough competition for playing time in 2024, particularly with the departure of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Julian Fleming. The battle for playing time intensifies among receivers like Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate, leaving Smith to vie for significant snaps alongside Brandon Innis, Jayden Ballard, and Bryson Rodgers.
Despite the challenges, Smith has the opportunity to establish a role during the upcoming season, with his playing time contingent on his development throughout spring and fall practice. Coach Day expressed confidence in Smith’s potential impact, indicating that if he maintains his current trajectory, he could become a key contributor and even vie for a starting position.
All eyes will be on the Ohio State spring game, scheduled for April 13, which will be nationally televised and serve as a significant showcase for Smith and his teammates.