Two years ago, Ohio State coach Ryan Day reportedly told quarterback Will Howard that a freshman wide receiver was potentially the best to ever play the game. Howard thought the claim was crazy at the time. Two years later, it looks much less far-fetched. Jeremiah Smith isn't just rewriting Ohio State's record books. He is also the clear favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, whose teams have faced Smith three times, calls him a freak who can strike fear into a defense on any snap. Sarkisian compares Smith's length, strength, speed, ball skills and catch-and-run ability to Randy Moss, the former NFL star. Former Pitt receiver Larry Fitzgerald, now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, also sees similarities in how Smith attacks the football and shields defenders. Fitzgerald says Smith's athleticism reminds him of Moss and Calvin Johnson.
Smith is dominating the Heisman race. According to DraftKings, he is the overwhelming favorite at -220, well ahead of Miami quarterback Darian Mensah (+950) and Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (+1000). Despite facing constant double-teams, Smith has 48 receptions for 916 yards and 11 touchdowns, ranking second nationally in all three categories. He has also already broken Ohio State's career records for receptions (211), receiving yards (3,474) and touchdown catches (38).
Day explained that Smith's production holds up even against heavy coverage. If he is one-on-one, he is open. If he is double-covered, he is still often open. If he is triple-covered, someone else has to be open somewhere. Smith's combination of size at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds with elite speed is why many observers now see him as a possible all-time great.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing