Senior Tackle: Jaxon Smith-Njigba has huge first week in tough loss
Ohio State verbal commit Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the country’s 10th-ranked wide receiver prospect in the Class of 2020, is set to embark on his final year of high school football.
A Rockwall (Texas) standout, Smith-Njigba committed to Ohio State last November, just days after his first visit with the Buckeyes. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder has risen up the national rankings following two huge seasons at Rockwall, collecting more than 3,000 yards receiving heading into his senior season. The talented prospect is sharing his senior campaign with Lettermen Row through a weekly journal that will focus on Smith-Njigba’s football, family and anything else on his mind as he prepares to enroll at Ohio State in January.
Last Friday night we had our first game of the year, and the season opener was a tough game until the very end.
We had a chance to win, but we made a few mistakes and fell short, 66-59. We combined for a total of 1,488 yards and 125 points versus Highland Park. I believe it will be one of the greatest high-school games most of us will ever play. I had a good game, but we lost, so it’s hard to be too focused on my own numbers.
It was a big-stage debut for our team, and there are lots of positives to build from moving forward. Because, for us, there is not an easy week on the schedule. This Friday night we face the Rowlett Eagles. Last season, this non-district game was canceled due to weather, but this week it’s going to be 100 degrees. There’s no time for excuses, though, and we’ve got to be ready to bounce back and play our game.
After leaving the film session on Saturday morning, I got home and turned on the Buckeyes to see Justin Fields go off. The best part was watching Garrett Wilson get some time. He’s my guy, and it’ll be fun to play on the same field as those guys next year. It was a solid Week One win for the Buckeyes, and I know they’ll be ready for Cincinnati this weekend. That should be a good game.
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I know people are wondering about the rumors about Texas. I am doing my best to put my energy and focus into the last few months of high school. That’s why I committed to Ohio State when I did. The recruiting process can be a tiring blessing, and I worry about saying the wrong thing or giving the wrong impression. It’s not easy to have cameras and microphones put in your face after a game or practice and always say things exactly right.
I am as committed to Ohio State today as I was when I committed in November.
I cannot control talk on social media outlets and what is written about me. I feel I would not be doing my job as a productive receiver if programs were not reaching out to me, and I appreciate people believing I can help their program.
I’m trying my best to be my best because that’s all I can control.
Follow along during the journey of Jaxon Smith-Njigba every week at Lettermen Row or follow the future Ohio State wide receiver on Twitter.
