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.
Though he actually faxed in his letter of intent during the Early Signing Period, Ohio State officially landed a commitment from Cleveland Heights four-star defensive end Tyreke Smith when he picked the Buckeyes on national television over finalists Alabama, Oregon, Penn State and USC during the Under Armour All-America Game in January.
The 6-foot-3, 260-pounder was among the nation's most sought-after prospects after he finished his senior season with 70 total tackles, 23 tackles for a loss, 22 quarterback hurries, 11 sacks and six pass break ups to be named the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division I Co-Defensive Player of the Year, the USA Today All-Ohio Defensive Player of the Year and a finalist for Ohio's Mr. Football award.
Smith will graduate from high school in May and enroll in college courses the following month. First, though, he took some time away from his busy schedule to sit down and talk with our readers the recruiting process, his favorite restaurant, career goals and much more in the 11W Community Interview.
What was your favorite part of the recruiting process? - Bucksknowwhatitis
TS: “Meeting many people and developing relationships that will last forever.”
Did you ever check out the recruiting service sites during the process, and what were your thoughts whenever you’d look at the 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions? - KBonay
TS: “Yes. They were spot on whether I was leaning to one school or another. They were always accurate.”
What is your favorite activity outside of football that you like to do in your free time? - John-A-Tron
TS: “Playing games and spending time with my family.”
What are your academic goals at The Ohio State University? - Osu78
TS: “To be an academic all-American. I want to show people that it’s cool to go hard on the field, but also go hard in the classroom and take care of business. Football doesn’t last forever, so you gotta get your mind right for after football.”
Which college or NFL player(s) do you like to model your game after? - 703Buckeye
TS: “[Denver Broncos outside linebacker/defensive end] Von Miller. He’s a beast with his combination of speed and strength. It makes his game very deadly. Hopefully I can train with him one day.”
What is your favorite restaurant and thing to order there? - BuckeyesCrusdader
TS: “Texas de Brazil. It’s a Brazilian steakhouse that has all types of meats, so i like the whole menu.”
How did the new early signing period affect you in your selection process, and did you do anything differently in your process to adjust for it? - Mockjocks
TS: “It didn’t affect me at all. I felt very comfortable with the decision I made and know 150 percent that it’s where I need to be.”
What is your go-to move, dance or reaction upon completing a sack in the national championship game on fourth down? - Kiddbuckeye
TS: “Flex on ‘em.”
I know you are also an accomplished basketball player, so do you think skills you've developed on the hardwood translate to certain areas of playing defensive end? - BuckeyeJK
TS: “Yes, most definitely. I think my speed and quickness on my feet helps me on the field.”
What would you consider a successful career at Ohio State? - TheDizzle
TS: “I want people to remember me when I leave for something great. Be a great teammate and win a natty.”
