Kirk Herbstreit on Jeremiah Smith: 'This guy is like a young T.O.'

Kirk Herbstreit is very high on Ohio State freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith so much, he even compared him to Terrell Owens, as in T.O.

Yes, the Hall of Fame wide receiver has a new carbon copy in college football in the form of Smith. That’s what Herbstreit says.

If he keeps it up, he could be one of the best wide receivers in college football in recent memory.

“He’s a unique freshman,” Herbstreit said on SportsCenter. “You know, we had Ryan Williams a couple weeks ago explode onto the scene in college football with his ability to make plays against Georgia, and the other freshman obviously it’s been Jeremiah Smith. Now he’s been doing it against Iowa and some other teams. 

“This kid is a true freshman. Ryan Williams is more explosive, body control.This guy, to me, is like a young T.O. Just his ability to use his hands, his ability to do yards after the catch, because of his physicality, he can go downfield. So again, they haven’t played anybody the way they will as the season progresses.” 

This season, Smith has 23 catches for 453 yards, six touchdowns and 19.7 yards per catch. Not quite T.O. numbers yet, but Smith could be on his way.

As far as what Smith brings Saturday, Oregon could have its hands full.

“So he’s a unique, very unique player, very humble, hard working type of kid, but he’s going to get one on one against some very talented corners,” Herbstreit said. “Again, Will Howard will have a chance to get him the football, (with him) and Emeka Egbuka, who’s on the other side, another All-American and first rounder. And that’s a tough duo to deal with for any defense, including today for the Ducks.”

Quarterback Will Howard loves what he sees as well.

“The sky is the limit for that kid,” Howard said. “The fact that he’s already as good as he is as an 18-year-old true freshman, man, it’s special. I’ve never seen someone come in with that amount of talent and also the work ethic that he has.

“He’s humble. He takes coaching really well. He doesn’t complain about getting the ball at all. You never really hear a peep from him. And then he goes out there and makes plays that are just, I mean, otherworldly, like not from this earth, dude. This guy’s like no one I’ve ever seen. But I’m sure glad he’s on my team.”