Jeremiah Smith lost his black stripe in record time.
The No. 1-ranked player in the 2024 class per 247Sports' composite rankings, Smith shed his black stripe on Thursday after just four spring practices.
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) March 21, 2024
An absolute baller is joining Zone 6, welcome to the Brotherhood, @Jermiah_Smith1 pic.twitter.com/IFpeRJ87Xs
Smith’s black stripe removal is the fastest ever for a freshman in spring practice, surpassing the previous record set by Carnell Tate last year, when he had his black stripe removed after just five spring practices.
“I love the way he lives," OSU co-offensive coordinator Brian Hartline said Thursday of Smith. "I love the way he approaches things. I love the way he asks questions. I love the way he makes mistakes and corrects mistakes. It's very veteran-like.”
His teammate Brandon Inniss, who also played 7-on-7 football alongside Smith with South Florida Express, also heaped praise on Smith on Thursday.
“I feel like Jeremiah is a different caliber,” Inniss said. “When you watch him, how smooth he is, and the physical capabilities he brings to the game, he has to play — someway he has to play.”
Expectations are sky-high for the five-star freshman and Smith will likely have a chance to be a key contributor right away in OSU's offense.
Smith was one of two wide receivers to lose his black stripe on Thursday along with redshirt freshman walk-on Brennen Schramm, who joined the team last summer.
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) March 21, 2024
Zone 6 adding depth to the Brotherhood, welcome @brennen_schramm pic.twitter.com/U4r7UxiQrh
Together, they are the first two Buckeyes to have their black stripes removed in 2024.
| Player | Pos | Date | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| JEREMIAH SMITH | WR | MARCH 21 | FRESHMAN |
| BRENNEN SCHRAMM | WR | MARCH 21 | REDSHIRT FRESHMAN |
