Florida schools still working to flip 5-star Ohio State WR commit Jeremiah Smith

Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna Prep Five-Star Plus+ wide receiver Jeremiah Smith committed to Ohio State last December. But other schools, especially those within his home state, have continued to recruit the nation’s top prospect.

On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons spoke about Smith’s multiple visits to schools other than Ohio State on The Inside Scoop football recruiting show.

“You know Josh, I think really he’s taking the professional approach and just listening,” Simmons said. “Just kind of taking everything in, every pitch from every coaching staff. Soaking in, I think, the game day environments. Kind of picturing himself — whether it be at Florida, Florida State, wherever he’s at that weekend. Just seeing maybe how he could fit in, potentially, at that program.

“Yes, I mean when you’re a five-star kid, a Five-Star Plus+ receiver like Jeremiah Smith, you definitely can benefit from the perks of being at that status. But for me, I think he’s truly just soaking it in and making sure he’s making the right decision for him and his family.”

Ohio State’s history of WR production

Ohio State wide receivers coach Brian Hartline has made a habit of developing star wide receivers since he took over the position coach role in 2018. Draft picks include Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Parris Campbell and Terry McLaurin.

“Ohio State just has to keep being Ohio State,” Simmons said. “Obviously, a tough loss to Michigan for the third year in a row over the weekend. But Ohio State, he chose them because of one thing — wide receiver production. He wants to be ‘that guy’. He wants to be wide receiver (No.) 1 in the NFL Draft in the next three or four years, and I think that’s why he trusts Brian Hartline the most and Ohio State to develop him and get him to that level. Yes, he wants to go play great competition, win championships, compete for conference and national titles for sure. But his ultimate goal, like most in this recruiting class, is to be NFL someday. Playing on Sundays. And I think he chose Ohio State for that reason and their player development.

The in-state pitch

“Now with the other side — Florida, Florida State and Miami, three in-state schools — they just want to keep putting a little bit of doubt in his mind about why they could be a better fit than Ohio State,” Simmons continued. “‘Hey come be this guy. The easier path to playing time could be here,’ — in Gainesville, in Tallahassee, in Coral Gables — “You can stay home, you can represent your home-state school. Hey, don’t forget about the warm weather down here in Florida. You’re used to playing in Hollywood, Florida — Chaminade-Madonna. Not going to the Big Ten playing in cold weather, training in the offseason when it’s 20 degrees.’

“They’re trying to put all these little things in his mind to him, his father, his camp to give him a little bit of doubt about why they could be the better school. So FSU, Florida, Miami will keep grinding all the way up until December 20 to kind of put a little bit of doubt and keep their teams in the mix.”

Florida State with the best shot

Of all the schools trying to flip Smith away from Ohio State, Simmons believes Florida State has the best chance.

“I still lean Florida State,” Simmons said about which school has the best shot. “We know he was at Florida this past weekend. He sees the opportunity at Florida for sure. He talks to (receivers coach) Billy Gonzalez, of course. Florida quarterback commit DJ Lagway, they have a relationship.

“But I still like Florida State as far as in the best position to get him away from Ohio State. Mike Norvell has taken this one on personally. He’s making Jeremiah Smith feel like he can be that next guy and replace Keon Coleman at Florida State. The opening is there next year for a guy to step in. They have the OV still coming up in December, they’ve had him on campus a couple of times. I still like where Florida State is the most as far as talking in-state schools and the best chance to flip him away from Ohio State.”

Florida State OV on deck

When asked if Smith has any other trips planned besides his December visit to Tallahassee, Simmons said no.

“He does not. You know obviously, coming off his trip to The Swamp, he mentioned there’s a possibility he goes back to Florida for an official visit,” Simmons said. “Of course, Miami is right in his backyard. An easy trip to Coral Gables if he wanted to take a midweek trip, a weekend trip before the dead period kicks in in a few weeks.

“But right now, the only thing locked in 100% is that OV to Florida State the weekend of December 8. You know, could things change — could things be added? Yes. But right now, the only trip he has locked in is to Florida State.”

Ohio State in good position to hang on

Simmons said that he doesn’t believe Ohio State needs to get Smith on campus for another visit before National Signing Day — that the Buckeyes are already in a great position to hang on.

“I don’t think so. I mean he’s been there multiple times, probably somewhere over half a dozen times throughout his recruitment. He’s been to games, he’s been on an official visit, he’s been there for Junior Day-type things, spring practices. So he knows what Ohio State is about. And going back to what I said earlier, he chose Ohio State for that reason — that’s player development, Brian Hartline and his resume and track record.

“So I think he’s seen everything he has to see at Ohio State. Just them staying consistent in communication and again just telling him day after day why they’re the right school for him — that’s all they have to do. Really all they can to do try to hold on to Jeremiah.”