Jeremiah Smith Draws Praise From NFL Receiver Legends

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Jeremiah Smith Draws Elite Comparisons as Ohio State’s Young Receivers Build Momentum

Larry Fitzgerald praised Jeremiah Smith’s athleticism, comparing it to Randy Moss and Calvin Johnson. Fitzgerald said Smith has earned the right to be mentioned alongside accomplished receivers such as Moss, Michael Crabtree and Johnson based on what he has done over his first three years.

Jackson Smith and Jigba also highlighted Smith’s continued development. He described him as bigger, faster and stronger while noting that his route running has improved. Beyond his physical ability, Smith’s commitment to developing as a receiver has made an impression.

The remarkable part of the conversation is that Smith is not being compared to just one receiver. His size, catching ability and route running are being measured against the best attributes of several great players. With praise coming from Fitzgerald and one of the NFL’s top receivers, the expectation is that more high-profile players will continue placing Smith in the conversation among the best college receivers.

The discussion then shifted to Chris Henry, who arrived with expectations of becoming Ohio State’s second receiver. Jeremiah Smith’s immediate impact was an anomaly, and very few players can perform at such a high level so early in their careers. Henry, however, appears to be building momentum after making two important catches against Indiana, including a sideline reception in a clutch third-down situation.

The bye week could be especially valuable for Henry as he works with Luke Fahey. The two may already have a solid rapport from their practice reps, and their freshman connection could help. Henry’s 6-foot-6 frame also gives the quarterback a large target who can climb the ladder and make catches even when the throw is not perfect. There is a belief that Henry has earned the opportunity to become the second receiver and should be utilized more over the next few games.

A bigger target can also be easier for a smaller quarterback to see. With Deb McEwen providing some size while Kyle Parker and Brandon Ennis are not as big, players such as Henry, Brock Boyd, Trequay and Guilford could become more prominent. Their familiarity as members of the same class may also lead Luke to look for them more often.

The challenge for those young players is pushing through the freshman wall. College football’s longer schedule can become mentally exhausting for players accustomed to a high school season ending around this point. Still, the bye period offers young receivers more opportunities to earn reps and larger roles. Henry has already made important plays, while Boyd has shown effort as a blocker whenever he has been on the field. That type of work could help both players earn more playing time moving forward.