Jeremiah Smith, nation's No. 1 wide receiver and Ohio State pledge, sets Florida, Georgia official visits: Report
Despite being committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes since last December, Chaminade-Madonna Prep (Florida) five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith remains one of the most coveted recruits in the nation.
The effort to flip him has come from coast-to-coast, and it seems there may be some traction toward that aim.
Given that he's the nation's No. 2 overall prospect and No. 1 wide receiver, any update on Smith's status is significant.
According to 247Sports, the 6-foot-3, 198-pound pass-catcher has scheduled official visits to three schools - Georgia (May 19), Florida (June 2) and Ohio State (June 9).
Smith hasn't been shy about his interest - or lack thereof - in other programs.
He has taken several visits since his pledge, and also made clear on social media that Miami was not in the mix.
So far, however, Ohio State's connection to Smith has remained intact, particularly the bond and trust he has in coach Brian Hartline.
Could that change for Georgia and Florida with strong official visits?
It's definitely something to monitor going forward.
Here's what 247Sports had to say about Smith, in part, as a prospect:
"One of the most talented wide receiver prospects to come out of South Florida in the modern recruiting era. The type of wideout that can beat a defense over the top one play and then box defenders out in the corner of the end zone the next. Has a knack for making high-level grabs look extremely routine, like plucking the football out of the air with one hand while in traffic. Initially was on the leaner side, but has filled out nicely over the past year or so and could eventually carry 215 pounds or more. A spirited route runner that uses his long stride to chew up turf before sinking his hips and getting in and out of his breaks. Extremely competitive at the catch point as he will simply overpower defensive backs in order to secure the prize. Highlight reel is full of deep shots (and for good reason), but has also shown that he can create chunk plays via quick screens and short drag routes. Ability to play above the shoulder pads is without a doubt a strength, but so is his ferocious release..."
In a recruiting cycle with very little consensus regarding the nation's top prospects at each position, Smith has had a stranglehold on the label as "the nation's best receiver recruit" for months .
He is listed as the nation's No. 1 pass-catcher by 247Sports, On3 and Rivals.
Only Pinnacle (Arizona) five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola, the nation's No. 1 overall recruit, has been as consistently regarded as the nation's best at his position.
In other words, Smith is a massive prize, and it suddenly seems as though his recruitment is adding intrigue.
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