Denzel Burke raves about freshman WR Jeremiah Smith's potential: 'He has a little bit of Marvin in him'

Expectations just skyrocketed for Ohio State freshman Jeremiah Smith. At the 2024 Big Ten Media Days, Buckeyes cornerback Denzel Burke raved about the first-year wide receiver, comparing him to OSU royalty.

“To be honest, he’s like that. He’s next up. I’m really excited for his ceiling the next few years and what he’s going to bring to the table for our team this year too,” Burke said. “He has a little bit of [Marvin Harrison Jr.] in him, and he’s only a freshman now, so imagine what he’s going to be like in his third year. It’s going to be nuts. But, yeah, I’m really excited to have him.”

A comparison to Harrison is the highest praise Burke has to offer. Only a few moments earlier in the interview, Burke stated Harrison was “hands-down” the best receiver he’s ever played against. If Smith is showing a fraction of Harrison’s talent as a freshman, Ohio State fans have a lot to be excited about.

Of course, it’s not a complete surprise to hear the hype surrounding Smith. He was the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2024 recruiting cycle, according to On3 Industry Rankings. Additionally, he was named the Florida Player of the Year by MaxPreps.

In 14 games as a senior, Smith erupted for 88 receptions for 1,376 yards and 19 touchdowns. Burke isn’t the first player to shower the freshman with praise.

“That kid is just special, man,” OSU defensive end Jack Sawyer said of Smith. “That’s the only word I can use to describe him. Having been in his shoes, meaning being a five-star recruit and having a lot of hype around him coming in, I was like, ‘Man, I just want to see him practice a couple of times.’

“I don’t want him to feel like if he doesn’t play this year or if he doesn’t live up to the hype his freshman year then, but then I saw him for the first time at the first practice. I was like, ‘Holy sh*t, this kid’s good,'” Sawyer continued. “He’s a great young player. He’s got a great future ahead of him. He’s got a great head on his shoulders. So, whatever he gets he’s earned, he’s worked for. I’m super excited for him.”

Fans won’t have to wait much longer to watch Jeremiah Smith make his debut. On Aug. 31, the Buckeyes will kick off their 2024 campaign in a showdown against Akron.