2021 Norwalk, Ohio, Kicker/Punter Garrison Smith To Walk On At Ohio State

Norwalk, Ohio, kicker/punter Garrison Smith announced earlier this week that he has accepted a preferred walk-on opportunity at Ohio State.

To everyone who has supported me this far on my journey, I thank and appreciate you, but there has been a change to my plan. I’m staying home to pursue my college career. Go Bucks! @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/CqiDlaBy7W

— garrisondsmith2021 (@GSmith2021) April 1, 2021

The 5-8, 175-pound Smith is considered the 10th-best kicker and No. 12 punter in the country, according to Kornblue Kicking, as he finished his high school career with 32 field goals, including a 57-yarder. He was previously committed to Michigan State, choosing the Spartans in January over a walk-on opportunity at Cincinnati and scholarship offers from Fordham, Old Dominion, South Dakota and Tiffin.

Smith has been on the Buckeyes’ radar for a few years now, as he was invited to attend the victory over Maryland in November 2019 along with his teammate and current Ohio State redshirt freshman offensive tackle Trey Leroux. 

I’m truly honored @OhioStateFB would invite me to the game. Thank you @Coach_P_Fleming @CoachMattBarnes for the wonderful experience!! #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/RQaX83PhIa

— garrisondsmith2021 (@GSmith2021) November 10, 2019

He becomes the eighth player to commit to the Buckeyes as a preferred walk-on this offseason, joining St. Louis Mary Institute and Country Day School linebacker Jalen Pace; Nashville Montgomery Bell Academy tight end Zak Herbstreit; Northville, Mich., running back/defensive back Cayden Saunders; Lewis Center (Ohio) Olentangy center Toby Wilson; Tampa (Fla.) Carrollwood Day long snapper Mason Arnold; West Chester (Ohio) Lakota West linebacker Jackson Kuwatch; and Morrow (Ohio) Little Miami wide receiver Reis Stocksdale.

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