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Denzel Burke raves over Jeremiah Smith, explains how he has impressed in camp

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby:Grant Grubbs•08/12/24•

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Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith
© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Another wave of promising reviews have arrived for Ohio State freshman Jeremiah Smith. On Friday, OSU cornerback Denzel Burke raved about the young wide receiver’s talent.

“Jeremiah is a dog. I’ve been saying this for a long time now. He’s on our team and I’m glad he’s on our team, we’re getting him better,” Burke said. “Just his mentality, [his ability to come down with] 50-50 balls. He’s a pro’s pro. He’s 18 years old and he has everything you want in a prototypical receiver.”

It’s not the first time Burke has shoveled praise on to Smith. In July, Burke claimed Smith had similarities to Marvin Harrison Jr. Only moments later, Burke declared Harrison was the best wide receiver he’s ever lined up against. Not bad company for Smith.

Of course, it’s not a complete surprise to hear Burke sing Smith’s praises. Jeremiah Smith 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.

Another rave review for Jeremiah Smith

“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 at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast CBS.