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'Different' Tyreke Smith finding unique motivation to fuel breakout

Spencer-Holbrookby:Spencer Holbrook•04/09/21•

SpencerHolbrook

Tyreke Smith 6 by Birm-Lettermen Row
Ohio State defensive end Tyreke Smith has a chance to be a dominant player for the Buckeyes this fall. (Birm/Lettermen Row)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State defensive end Tyreke Smith still remembers when he learned he couldn’t play in the national title game.

He was in the parking lot of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center as the Buckeyes began to prepare for the championship game. Smith was gearing up to deliver an encore performance from his dominant Sugar Bowl performance.

Then he wasn’t.

After a positive COVID-19 test knocked Smith out of the title game in early January, he’s using that absence from the ultimate stage as a motivational tool for a massive senior season this fall. He can already see himself growing into what he has hoped to be all along for the Buckeyes.

“I feel great, it’s the best I ever felt,” Smith said. “Fast, you know, physical-wise I feel the strongest. It’s just up to me, keep my body right. I’m just trying to get there and get better every day. Came back one last year to perfect my craft, try to give myself another chance, my team another chance.”

Smith has been building for a breakout, one that was expected to come for the last couple seasons. Injuries derailed that, and although he showed flashes of production, Smith wasn’t at a level he wanted to be. Last season was weird for every Ohio State player, Smith included. It was hard to break out in a shortened season.

Tyreke Smith-Ohio State-Ohio State football-Buckeyes

Ohio State defensive end Tyreke Smith has become a different player. (Birm/Lettermen Row)

Smith has put in time. He’s learned from Nick Bosa, Chase Young, Jonathon Cooper among others. He understands what it takes to be great. With one year remaining to dominate, Smith has a major chance to finally be the player he was expected to be when he was recruited.

“I’m not trying to waste my chance,” Smith said. “I’m trying to go out there everyday. If it’s lift, I’ll give it my 110 percent, if it’s practice, I’m locked in trying to find my technique. … That’s how I’m trying to approach it this year.”

Smith can see it in himself, and his teammates have taken notice, as well. He seems to be a different player with a different mindset, ready to take the massive leap forward in his development and make his case to be among the elite Ohio State defensive ends that have come before him.

Another blue-chip defensive end that is expected to break out this fall, Zach Harrison, can certainly see it coming for Smith.

“I mean, Tyreke’s balling ever since the spring started,” Harrison said. “I saw a difference in him in winter workouts, too. We all got together and got decided what we had to be and Tyreke’s taking the next step, too.”

Smith showed a glimpse of greatness when he joined in on a handful of sacks against Clemson in early January. But he wasn’t able to follow it up with another showing against Alabama, and the Buckeyes lost the national title game.

Since then, Tyreke Smith has been a different player. The silver lining that comes with missing the title game could be a true breakout this fall.

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