Ohio State football has had an impressive season.
With wins over top-ten teams like Oregon, Tennessee, and Penn State, it has continually proven to be among the most talented teams in the country. On Monday night, the Buckeyes will be fighting for the spot to be the best team.
Ohio State has been able to see that high-level success because of some ultra-talented players, a few of which are spending their first season in Columbus. Three of those players made the cut for ESPN’s All-America team.
Only one true freshman made the list, and that’s Jeremiah Smith.
“Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who has been a head coach at the NFL and collegiate levels, said he has never had a receiver like Smith, with his blend of size, speed and ability to track the ball in tight coverage. A true freshman, 6-foot-3, 225-pound Smith was uncoverable in the Buckeyes’ first two playoff games, with four touchdown catches and 290 receiving yards. He’s tied for third nationally with 14 touchdown receptions and averages 17.3 yards per catch,” senior writer Chris Low penned.
Heading into the Championship Game, he has 71 receptions, 1,227 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. He’s more than deserving of being named the best receiver in the country.
Donovan Jackson and Caleb Downs were the other Buckeyes to be named as well. Jack Sawyer also saw his name listed but came in as the second-team defensive end.
It isn’t surprising that Ohio State has this type of talent as it has, for a while, been among the premier programs in the country. With Tavien St. Clair coming to town next season, the pipeline is strong for young talent in Columbus.
