Jeremiah Smith was already within the Ohio State file books. Now he, too, is within the Big Ten file books.
The Buckeyes’ sensational receiver set a single-season convention file for many landing receptions by a freshman (13), hauling in a catch from Will Howard and taking it 45 yards to the home on the primary possession of the ‘Ohio State vs. Oregon within the Rose Bowl.
The earlier file belonged to Purdue’s Rondale Moore, who totaled 12 landing receptions in 2018.
Smith tied the file in Ohio State’s first-round College Football Playoff recreation in opposition to Tennessee, then broke it within the quarterfinals in opposition to the Ducks. The 19-year-old totaled a career-high six receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns in opposition to the Volunteers.
He entered the Rose Bowl with 63 receptions for 1,037 yards and 12 landing receptions, all Ohio State freshman data, surpassing the numbers Cris Carter had in 1984. Smith additionally had 4 carries for 47 yards and one other landing on the bottom in the course of the common season.
After arriving at Ohio State with a lot fanfare, the nation’s No. 1 recruit lived as much as expectations.
“He’ll most likely be the most effective receiver that will get right here,” Buckeyes cornerback Denzel Burke mentioned within the week main as much as the Rose Bowl. “He’s already on that time, so I’m actually completely happy for him.”
Burke is certified to supply his opinion, having performed and coached in opposition to the Buckeyes’ current crop of NFL first-round receivers. Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr. have all been chosen within the high 20 within the final three drafts, and senior Emeka Egbuka may be part of them this spring.
“I noticed a whole lot of nice receivers,” Burke mentioned. “I noticed Garrett. I noticed Jaxon, I noticed Chris. I noticed Marvin Harrison – he was my class too. So simply having the ability to see him and having the ability to see these qualities in him. But he is Jeremiah Smith. He’s a totally completely different individual, so it is nice.”
Now, Smith stands alone in Big Ten historical past.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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