Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith: A Fair Comparison to LeBron James?
Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith is generating buzz as he receives lofty comparisons to NBA superstar LeBron James. Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day recently made this striking comparison during an appearance on FOX Sports’ “Bear Bets.” He described Smith as a remarkable talent, underscoring his unique combination of size, skill, and discipline.
Ryan Day’s Praise for Jeremiah Smith
Day emphasized the exceptional qualities that set Smith apart. “He’s got the size, he’s got the talent, but he also has the discipline and the skill set,” he stated. This confident assessment places Smith among the elite, suggesting he might surpass previous Ohio State wide receivers.
Record-Breaking Freshman Season
Smith’s performance during his freshman year was nothing short of historic. He shattered the Ohio State record for most receiving yards by a freshman, finishing the season with 1,315 yards. This impressive total eclipses the prior record set by Chris Carter, who had 648 yards.
- Freshman season receiving yards: 1,315
- Previous record by Chris Carter: 648 yards
- Big Ten touchdowns: 15
In addition to his record-setting yards, Smith led the Big Ten in touchdowns during his rookie campaign. His standout performance in the Rose Bowl against Oregon featured two touchdowns and 187 receiving yards, marking a high point in his inaugural season.
Continued Success in Sophomore Year
Smith’s momentum has carried into his sophomore season. Over the first five games, he leads the Big Ten with 35 receptions, totaling 463 yards and six touchdowns. This ongoing success reinforces Day’s comparison to LeBron James, positioning Smith as a player to watch moving forward.
As expectations rise, the young athlete may use this comparison as motivation. Living up to such high praise could further elevate his already promising career.
With Smith’s talent evident on the field, Ohio State fans, along with coach Ryan Day, will be eager to see how he continues to develop and impact the game of college football.
