After taking the college football world by storm and shattering all of former Ohio State receiver Cris Carter’s freshman receiving records, star receiver Jeremiah Smith has grabbed the attention of opposing defenses and opposing coaches alike.
During an interview on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” on Thursday, Texas head coach and former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian compared Smith to former seven-time Pro Bowl receiver with the Falcons, Julio Jones.
“It’s interesting, I had a chance to coach Julio Jones for two years in Atlanta, he reminds me a lot of him,” Sarkisian, who will coach against Smith in week one when Texas takes on Ohio State on Aug. 30, said. “He’s so big and physical, yet fast and (he) covers ground. (He’s) so strong at the point of attack when the ball is in the air, you see (his) ability to make contested catches.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti, who was Jones’ wide receiver coach at Alabama, took it one step further at Big Ten media days on Tuesday, saying Smith is better than Jones in some ways.
“He’s a freak, he’s a great player. He’s the greatest at that position I’ve seen at that age, and he’s a weapon,” Cignetti said of Smith. “I coached Julio (they’re) very similar, but (Smith)’s a little looser, more flexible, I think. (Smith) is maybe a hair faster.”
Even Michigan coach Sherrone Moore, who led his team to a 13-10 win over Smith and the rest of the Buckeyes in 2024, sang his praises during Big Ten Media Days on Thursday.
“He’s probably the best college football player that’s out there,” Moore said. “He’s elite.”
Despite the praise, Moore made sure not to give away any strategy he has to slow down the All-American when his team takes on Ohio State on Nov. 29.
“Can’t give away all the secrets because he’s pretty good,” Moore said, “But you do everything you can to make sure the quarterback is uncomfortable.”
