Reacting To Jeremiah Smith Picking Ohio State Over Miami | How Close Did The Hurricanes Come?
Jeremiah Smith had long been verbally committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes, but suspense still loomed heading into the final minutes before his announcement.
Miami, Florida State, and Florida had never stopped recruiting the 5-Star wide receiver from Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. In the hours and minutes leading up to his final announcement, Miami was reportedly trending strongly, maybe even surging.
Ultimately, he put on the Buckeyes hat. On my Locked On Canes podcast I reacted to the news and explained how close Miami actually got.
Smith spoke to reporters shortly after making his Ohio State pledge official. He says his mind wasn't made up until about two minutes before announcing for OSU. He had a black bag with two hats in it, one for Miami and one for Ohio State.
Jeremiah Smith said he had two hats in his bag: Miami and Ohio State. He ultimately decided in the final two minutes. He wanted to go to a place with a strong track record of first round picks. That was the difference. pic.twitter.com/OY2cy64sDq
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) December 20, 2023
Florida State had been considered a strong contender for several weeks, but Miami seemingly passed their in-state rilvals earlier this week. In the end, neither could sway Smith away from Ohio State.
While I am disappointed that Miami wasn't able to keep the top player in the country home, I can respect Smith's decision. The Buckeyes have an indisputable track record of developing wide receivers and getting them drafted in the first round.
I believe Miami is on the right track with wide receivers coach Kevin Beard. He did a tremendous job last season with Xavier Restrepo, Jacolby George and Colbie Young, who each put up career numbers. The Hurricanes need to keep trending upward if they want to show the next Jeremiah Smiths of the world that the University of Miami can be a destination for elite wide receivers.
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