Nearly everything has come naturally to superstar receiver Jeremiah Smith since he first arrived in Columbus as a highly-touted, talented freshman.
In his first year as a Buckeye, Smith set multiple receiving records as a freshman and hauled in 87 receptions for 1,243 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns as a sophomore to earn unanimous All-American honors.
Off the field, though, the vocal leadership role may not be the easiest thing for the quieter Smith to embrace.
According to head coach Ryan Day, Smith has made progress using his voice to support his teammates.
“Jeremiah, as you guys know, is sort of a man of few words, but he’s found his voice more and more,” Day said. “I’ve noticed the last few practices, even when the twos and the threes are in there, he’s near the huddle, he’s listening to the call, he’s encouraging them, he’s coaching them, he’s there. Leaders have to be felt, leaders have to be heard. And that’s just how it goes. And he’s making a conscious effort to do that. I think the guys see that.”
Although he may not be the loudest person in Ohio State’s locker room, Smith has always set a good example with his tireless work ethic. Smith has already won Iron Buckeye honors four times for his effort in the weight room. Day said it means a lot to Ohio State’s culture that the best player on the team works as hard as anyone on the team.
“What he’s always done since he stepped in this building is he’s practiced really hard and set an example of discipline and how you practice.” Day said, “When your best players are your hardest workers, it gives you a chance to build the culture. He’s done that for sure, like a giant check mark from the day he walked in until just his practice today. I think where he’s really working on is being felt and heard in terms of encouraging guys, pushing guys, being that leader and having an impact, and having a connection with the guys. And he’s definitely made an effort, you can see it. And so we’re going to need that.”
With 51 new players on the team, quality leadership is perhaps more important than ever for the Buckeyes.
“The leadership, as we all know, is critical,” Day said. “People talk about it all the time, but where this leadership takes us is going to ultimately be what writes the story.”
