Senior running back Rod Smith has been dismissed from Ohio State for a violation of team rules, sources told Eleven Warriors Monday night.
Smith, who garnered the praises of head coach Urban Meyer for a turnaround on and off the field, rushed for 102 yards and four touchdowns on 24 carries this season. He was a also valued member of the Buckeyes' special teams.
"When I was getting ready for training camp, there was part of me saying we probably won't have him back," Meyer said recently. "Not a bad guy, just struggled academically, didn't do much. He's been a pleasure to coach. His demeanor, his work ethic. I really like where he's at."
Smith came to Columbus in 2010 as a blue-chip prospect out of Paul Harding High School in Fort Wayne, Ind. A combination of speed and a 6-foot-3, 231-pound frame led some to believe he could be an elite player for Ohio State.
But Smith struggled with fumbles and missed time as recently as last spring because of shortcomings in the classroom.
Ohio State did not immediately respond to request for comment.
