Jeremiah Smith previews FSU visit, remains locked in with Ohio State

The nation’s top recruit helped his team secure a Florida state championship on Thursday as Chaminade-Madonna Prep beat Clearwater Central Catholic 56-0. Jeremiah Smith finished the first half with 10 catches for 170 yards and a touchdown.

After Chaminade-Madonna won in Tallahassee, Smith spoke with reporters about his upcoming weekend plans in the capital city. Smith will take his official visit to Florida State just a week and a half before National Signing Day.

Smith said that he plans to enjoy himself and plans to meet with both players and coaches during his time in Tallahassee.

“Just enjoy myself this weekend,” Smith said about his plans. “Spend time with Edwin Joseph and lot of the rest of the players that’s up there.”

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“I’ve seen everything I had to see, I’m just taking my OV,” Smith said. “Just got to see how the official visit goes and that’s on Saturday.”

Smith said he was impressed by the Seminoles’ offense this season, also expressing his displeasure at FSU being left out of the College Football Playoff.

“I mean they had a big impression on me, definitely. For sure,” Smith said. “With Keon Coleman, Johnny Wilson and Jordan Travis — the offensive looked unstoppable this year with Jordan Travis in there.”

Smith also discussed the NCAA Transfer Portal and how it and the recruitment of quarterbacks plays a part in any receiver’s recruitment. The NCAA Transfer Portal officially opened on Monday.

“Definitely the quarterback plays a big part,” Smith said. “As a receiver, that’s definitely a big part of your recruitment. Because you don’t want to just go there and not have a quarterback. So you’ve got to have somebody to get you the ball. That definitely plays a big part in your recruitment for sure. But all the transfer portal with the quarterbacks and stuff like that, it’s crazy how many kids are in the transfer portal right now, but everybody has got to fit what’s best for them.”

Smith locked in with Ohio State

Smith has been committed to Ohio State since December of last year. Buckeyes wide receivers coach Brian Hartline has had quite a track record in Columbus — producing NFL wideouts like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Parris Campbell and Terry McLaurin. Marvin Harrison Jr. is projected as a first-round pick in the upcoming draft.

“I mean why not?” Smith said about playing at Ohio State. “You’ve got Brian Hartline who’s putting receivers in the first round. I mean that’s the reason why, I’m trying to be a first-round draft pick.”

When asked, Smith said that there is no ‘biggest threat’ to flip him from the Buckeyes.

“Everybody is still involved, but there’s no ‘biggest threat right now.’