Getty Brian Hartline, wide receivers coach at Ohio State.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receivers coach Brian Hartline has been impressed by the unique skills of freshman Jeremiah Smith. In his three months with the program, Smith’s exceptional speed, agility and game sense have sparked anticipation for what he could achieve in 2024.
“I love the way he approaches things,” Hartline said, according to a March 21 story by 247Sports.com’s Dave Biddle. “The questions he asks. I love the way he makes mistakes and then corrects mistakes. It’s very veteran-like. And there’s so much ball he has to learn.”
Many recruiting sites, including 247Sports, ranked the freshman as the top prospect in the 2024 recruiting class. It’s no surprise to see him succeed early. However, with the talent the Buckeyes offer at the position, Smith will need to earn a more significant role in year one.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has also been impressed with what Smith has done on the practice field.
“I’m gonna be careful what I say, but he’s been certainly a pleasure to watch. And we’re all very excited about his future.” Day said March 30 at Ohio State’s student appreciation day.
Jeremiah Smith Shed His Black Stripe in Record Time
College football fans knew Smith would be an exceptional talent but were still surprised to see him lose his black stripe — signifying an Ohio State player who has yet to prove himself — only four practices into collegiate career.
It was the fastest any Buckeye player had lost his black stripe, according to USA Today’s Evan Bachman. Smith beat 2023 wide receiver Carnell Tate, who lost his in five practices.
Jeremiah Smith, the #1 recruit in the 2024 class, has already lost his black stripe.
It’s a tradition started in 2012 that signals when a player officially becomes a Buckeye.
This is the earliest a player has ever lost it, ever.
Former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer introduced the black stripe in 2018. At the start of spring practice, newcomers to the team were given black stripes to adhere to their helmets. A player is allowed to remove his stripe upon proving himself to the coaching staff.
Smith has been joined by Alabama transfer safety Caleb Down and Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins in losing their black stripe, according to a March 26 story from FanSided’s Scarlet & Game.
Could Brain Hartline Have a Legitimate Freshman Starter?
It will be challenging for Smith to see significant playing time in 2024. Some of the best Ohio State receivers of the recent past, including Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, both of whom are currently in the NFL, have had to be patient during their freshman season.
The Florida native’s arrival couldn’t have been timed better. With the departure of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Julian Fleming, there’s a fierce battle for playing time among the receivers. Emeka Egbuka and Tate lead the pack, leaving Smith to compete with Brandon Innis, Jayden Ballard and Bryson Rodgers for significant snaps this season.
Smith can certainly carve out a role during the upcoming season. How much of a role he plays will depend on his development through spring and fall practice.
“If he continues on the path that he’s on,” Day said. “He’s going to play a lot of football and certainly will have a chance to start as well.”
All eyes will be on the Ohio State spring game, which will be held on April 13. It will be Fox’s first-ever nationally televised spring game.
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Ohio State Receivers Coach Brian Hartline Impressed With Jeremiah Smith