Senior Tackle: Jaxon Smith-Njigba wins rivalry game, aces anatomy project

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 we played a big game against our crosstown rival, Rockwall-Heath. I’m happy to say it ended in a victory, and we knocked them off by a score of 38-17.

Due to my shoulder still being a little sore and wanting to make sure I am being smart, I was utilized conservatively but still managed 110 yards with three touchdowns.

Overall, it was a good team win. And right now, I’m feeling 100 percent and looking forward to playing this week.

I told you guys about my anatomy project last week, and it’s in the grade books with a solid 92. I’m glad I can put that behind me. That class is tough. This is a much-welcomed lighter week for school work, and I could use a little break.

For most of the last week or so, I’ve been anxiously checking the mail and waiting to receive my Ohio State acceptance letter. It’s one of those final pieces of the puzzle. I am looking forward to the move and greeting my first Ohio Winter. I’m sure it won’t be that bad.

Before I head to Columbus in January though, the plan is to be in San Antonio on December 30 preparing for the All-American Bowl being played January 4. The following day, I’ll move into my dorm. I think it’s a cool opportunity to play one last high school game close to home to line up with a lot of the guys I’ll be playing with at Ohio State. I’ve heard it’s a great experience there in San Antonio.

One of the things I am often asked is if I’m ready for the big move and to leave for college.

I am sure there will be times of homesickness. But aside from that, I can’t think of any fears or hesitations I have. I have known that playing college football was going to be a part of my path since I was a little boy, and though I didn’t know it’d be so far away, it’s worth it.

I guess there’s always some fear in the unknown, but I feel that Ohio State has the best available resources to help me balance being a student-athlete. As of today I am prepared as possible to deal with the adversity and challenges headed my way.

Ohio State commit Jaxon Smith-Njigba is closing in on the end of an illustrious high school career.. (Jaxon Smith-Njigba/USA TODAY Sports)

Before I go, there are two cool things happening this weekend: I have my All-American press conference at school. I’m excited to see the jersey I will be wearing in the All-American game. I really am thankful to wrap up my high school career with such a prestigious experience.

Also, the Dallas Cowboys play the Eagles in Dallas. The Sunday Night Football Bus and crew will be at our game Friday night versus North Mesquite High School, and that’s pretty cool stuff. So, you may see some highlights on Sunday Night Football.

I hope to have a big game on Friday while the Buckeyes are doing the same at Northwestern. And then I’ll watch all of the former Ohio State stars play on Sunday.

Have a great week everyone.

Follow along during the journey of Jaxon Smith-Njigba every week at Lettermen Row or follow the future Ohio State wide receiver on Twitter.