OC clarifies Jeremiah Smith’s Ohio State football commitment amid flipping rumors

admin | December 28, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Brian Hartline clarified the speculations about Jeremiah Smith’s signing.

On early signing day last week, Ohio State football and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline landed 5-star receiver and No. 1 overall athlete in the 2024 recruiting class Jeremiah Smith.

Smith’s signing occurred after a brief delay to begin the early period, with some reports circulating regarding a possible trade for the outstanding prospect. According to Paul Harvey of Saturday Tradition: Football, Hartline stated at his Cotton Bowl news conference on Wednesday that Smith and his family were constant in their commitment to signing with Ohio State football.

“I suppose I should say this about Jeremiah: he never wavered.” His family was unwavering. He can say whatever he wants two minutes before the hat comes out, but he always says the same thing,” Hartline claims. “His parents always said the same thing to me. Everything from his family to him.”

Harline’s mention of the hat comes after Smith told reporters that his final decision on signing day came down to the last few minutes, implying he also took Miami’s hat to his announcement. However, Hartline emphasized that the Smiths were “loyal” to Ohio State football during the recruiting process.

Despite gaining a pledge from the Opa-locka, Florida native in December 2022, the Buckeyes faced stiff competition for Smith prior to Wednesday’s formal decision. Miami made a strong last push to sign the 6-foot-3 talent, but two major things convinced him that Columbus was the best spot for him to continue his football career.

“It was a close call between Miami and Ohio State.” But, you know, I just go with my gut instinct, and I went with the team that is growing receivers into first-round picks…They care about their players both on and off the field. They are among the greatest in terms of their players. “It’s a family up in Ohio.”

It was apparently a tight call, but the three-time high school state champion plainly believes that Ohio State football will provide him with the finest opportunity to shape the rest of his destiny.