When East Mississippi Community College WR Corey Smith was brought in for an official visit a few weeks back, many thought the four-star prospect would leave Columbus as a Buckeye.
That was not the case, as Urban Meyer and his staff certainly told Smith they wanted him in the fold, but some transcript issues needed to be worked out before they could accept his commitment. Those issues are apparently now settled, as Smith gave his verbal commitment to the coaches, becoming the 23rd member in Ohio State's recruiting class of 2013.
Smith, 6-0/190, went to high school at Akron (OH) Buchtel and committed to Tennessee following his senior season but took a detour via junior college where he shined. He caught 51 passes for 733 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2012 and is ranked as the 10th-best JUCO player in the nation by the 247 Composite. Smith is a four-star recruit by all recruiting services and was committed to Mississippi State prior to flipping to Team Urban.
After spending a year apiece at Grand Rapids and East Mississippi, Smith has all his school affairs in order and is set play immediately for the Buckeyes next season. Aside from the Bulldogs, Smith had offers from Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, West Virginia, Arizona State, Michigan State, Nebraska, Penn State and a slew of other schools.
This is a big pickup for Meyer, as he was clearly looking for playmakers at the wide receiver position to add to an already stellar group that consists of Jalin Marshall, Taivon Jacobs, and possibly Gareon Conley, who could play both receiver and cornerback in Columbus. Smith is expected to see the field right away and will arrive at OSU with three years remaining to play two seasons.
The Bucks will be looking to add just one or two more players to their 2013 haul, so be sure to stay tuned to 11W for the latest happenings on the Ohio State recruiting trail.
Least importantly, this addition gives the Buckeye roster its fourth Corey (Philly, Pittsburgh, Linsley) and third Smith (Devin, Rod). Good luck, Paul Keels.
