The 11W Community Interview is truly of the people, by the people and for the people. You submit the questions and then we pass them on to the biggest names in the world of Ohio State athletics.
Ohio State landed a commitment in August from the state’s best wide receiver when Huber Heights Wayne four-star L’Christian “Blue” Smith picked the Buckeyes over finalists Cincinnati and Kentucky.
The 6-foot-6, 205-pound Smith was named to the Division I First-Team All-Ohio Offense this season, as he finished his senior season at Huber Heights Wayne with 869 yards and nine touchdowns receiving. The Warriors bowed out of the state playoffs in the first round, but he set the Ohio High School Athletic Association record for consecutive games with at least one catch in the loss to Pickerington North, passing Minster's Bryce Schmiesing with a reception in 45-straight contests.
Smith graduated from high school and signed with the Buckeyes earlier this month, but is taking a course at Sinclair Community College in Dayton to remain eligble to play high school basketball this winter. He’ll enroll in classes in June.
First, though, Smith sits down and talks with our readers about his nickname, his charitable foundation, choosing between football and basketball and much more in the 11W Community Interview.
Approximately how many times have you heard, “You’re my boy, Blue,” in your lifetime? - ThePritch
BS: “I probably hear it over 30 times a day.”
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced and overcome in your young life? - Seattle Linga
BS: “My biggest challenge I’ve ever had to overcome would be my childhood friend committing suicide while I was playing my sophomore year state championship game against Cleveland St. Edward. I came into the locker room at halftime when I found out what happened. He called me that morning and wished me good luck and told me he loved me. We ended up coming back but losing in the final minute. I played my ass off for him that second half.”
What is your biggest strength on the field, and what area do you think you need to work on to elevate your game further? - NHBuckeye
BS: “My biggest strength would be my feet and my speed. Being 6-foot-6, I can move with guys that are a foot shorter than me. The thing I need to work on most would probably be my footwork again. You keep getting your feet quicker, matchups become easier.”
Was it difficult choosing between basketball and football for your college choice? - EnonBuck79
BS: “It was probably the hardest decision I’ve made. My freshman year, I was ranked for playing basketball. I was playing on the best AAU team with [UCLA forward] Kris Wilkes and [Xavier forward] Paul Scruggs, so — of course — I had planned on playing basketball in college.”
How do you plan to continue the Blue5Print9 foundation’s work as you enter into college? Do you have anyone in the Dayton community to help you further the work you have started (family, Wayne teammates, etc.)? - KansasBuckeye
BS: “I plan on continuing to help, and hopefully I can get some teammates on board so we can really make this take off and change as many people’s lives [as possible]. I look at Ohio State as a new territory to help people. I have tons of brothers and sisters in different states that are doing things with my foundation, too. At the end of the day, we are trying to reach as many people as we can.”
What is your favorite receiving route to run? - UnionTank55
BS: “Comebacks. I love running them because you can get creative with it in so many ways and it’s the hardest route to stop.”
Do you have any pets? - Daniel
BS: “I have a Yorkie/Pomeranian. His name is Heart — my mom named him. He can catch a small football in his mouth from a long distance and he never shuts up.”
What was your favorite school subject, and why? - Teddyballgame
BS: “My favorite subject is math. I love it so much. I took Algebra 3 and Pre-calc this semester. I love it so much because you can do so much with math. Everything in life at one point will involve math.”
Do you play fantasy football. If yes, how did your team do and who was on it? - Desymond
BS: “I do play fantasy football, but I didn’t this year, though. I was supposed to play with my boys, but I forgot to sign up.”
Which current or past Ohio State player do you compare your game to most? - Codeezy
BS: “I compare myself to Devin Smith because we can run that No. 9 anytime. Throw it up!”
