Ohio State legend offers valuable guidance to recruit Jeremiah Smith, emphasizing the importance of development, hard work, and consistency.

The road to success in college football is paved with dedication, discipline, and a commitment to development—three qualities that any aspiring athlete must embody to achieve greatness. For Jeremiah Smith, one of the top recruits in the 2024 class, the path ahead is full of promise, yet it will require him to embrace these values in order to maximize his potential.

Smith, a five-star wide receiver out of Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory in Hollywood, Florida, has been the subject of intense recruitment from some of the top football programs in the country, including Ohio State. His exceptional athleticism, route-running ability, and knack for making spectacular catches have drawn comparisons to some of the best wide receivers in recent memory. However, as his decision to attend college looms, Smith has received some sage advice from a legend in Ohio State football—a player whose career is a shining example of what it takes to reach the top.

The advice given to Smith comes from an Ohio State legend who has experienced both the highs and lows of college football. This former Buckeye, known for his incredible talent and unwavering work ethic during his time in Columbus, understands the journey it takes to become one of the nation’s elite athletes. In a candid conversation with Smith, this Ohio State legend emphasized three key principles: development, hard work, and consistency. These timeless values, which shaped the legendary career of the former player, are now being passed on to Smith in an effort to help him achieve success at Ohio State and beyond.

The Role of Development: Unlocking Potential

When it comes to recruiting, talent is the foundation. Jeremiah Smith has an abundance of natural talent—he’s a dynamic playmaker with the ability to change the course of a game. His skills on the field are undeniable, but as every top-level coach and player knows, raw talent alone is not enough to guarantee success. The key to thriving at the next level is continuous development, which is where the advice from the Ohio State legend comes into play.

The former Buckeye, who enjoyed a standout career in Columbus and went on to play professionally, spoke at length about the importance of development, both on and off the field. In the conversation with Smith, the former player emphasized that what made him successful at Ohio State wasn’t just the skills he brought from high school, but the constant evolution of his game during his time at Ohio State. “You’ve got the physical tools, but it’s what you do with those tools that will determine how far you go,” the Ohio State legend told Smith. “You have to keep learning and improving every single day. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

For Smith, development will mean refining his skills in multiple areas of the game. Wide receivers must be versatile—able to run crisp routes, read defenses, and adjust on the fly. Ohio State, under head coach Ryan Day, has a reputation for turning talented wide receivers into NFL prospects, and that’s a key part of the program’s pitch to Smith. The development program at Ohio State includes not only on-field coaching but also a comprehensive strength and conditioning regimen that prepares players for the physical demands of the college game.

“Be prepared to put in the work off the field,” the former Ohio State star advised. “College football isn’t just about what happens during practice or game day; it’s about everything you do around it. From weight training to film study, everything matters. The best players take every opportunity to improve, and that’s what you have to do to make sure you reach your full potential.”

For Smith, this will be a critical aspect of his transition from high school to college football. The speed and complexity of the game increase significantly at the collegiate level, and players must adapt quickly to thrive. However, with Ohio State’s elite coaching staff and development program, Smith will have all the resources he needs to continue growing as a player and unlock his full potential.

The Importance of Hard Work: The Foundation of Success

While talent and development provide the foundation, hard work is the mortar that holds everything together. This is where the Ohio State legend really hammered home the value of dedication and perseverance. It’s one thing to have the ability to be great; it’s another to put in the work necessary to actually achieve greatness. For Smith, the hard work required at Ohio State will go beyond what he’s experienced thus far.

The former player stressed that there would be no shortcuts to success. “You’re going to have days when things don’t go well, when the grind feels too much. But those are the days that will define you,” the Ohio State icon explained. “It’s easy to work hard when everything’s going well. The true test of your commitment is how hard you work when you face adversity.”

In the high-pressure environment of college football, hard work becomes synonymous with resilience. At Ohio State, Smith will be surrounded by some of the best players in the nation, and the competition for playing time will be fierce. To secure a starting role and make a real impact on the field, Smith will need to outwork his competition at every turn. That means long hours in the film room, additional repetitions in practice, and a focus on the little things that can often make the difference in a close game.

The former Buckeye shared stories of his own struggles and triumphs during his time at Ohio State, where his commitment to working harder than anyone else helped propel him to a successful college career and eventual professional opportunity. “There’s no substitute for hard work,” the Ohio State legend said. “It’s about showing up every day, grinding, and pushing through the tough moments. In college football, those are the players who get noticed.”

For Smith, hard work won’t just be about physical preparation—it will also mean mental preparation. College football demands a high level of focus and mental toughness, especially when things aren’t going according to plan. The best players are able to push through adversity and use it as fuel to work even harder. In a program like Ohio State, where expectations are high and the pressure is constant, Smith will need to embrace this mentality if he wants to reach the level of success that many believe he is capable of.

Consistency: The Key to Longevity

Finally, the Ohio State legend spoke to Smith about the importance of consistency, both in terms of performance and mindset. Consistency is the hallmark of great players, and it’s what separates those who have one or two great seasons from those who enjoy long, successful careers.

“A great game here and there doesn’t make you a great player,” the former Buckeye said. “What makes you great is being able to perform at a high level every single time you step on the field. You have to be reliable, you have to show up, and you have to put in the same level of effort every single day.”

Smith, who has already shown flashes of brilliance in high school, will need to take his game to new heights at Ohio State. However, it’s not enough to have a great performance in one game or one stretch of the season. To truly be considered one of the best, Smith will need to perform at a high level consistently, week in and week out. This means maintaining focus and discipline throughout the entire season, even when the grind of college football starts to wear on players.

The former player stressed that it’s easy to get caught up in the highs and lows of college football, but the key to longevity in the sport is consistency. Whether it’s in practice or on game day, the most successful players are those who show up and deliver every time their number is called.

“For me, it was about making sure I brought my best every day, no matter what,” the former Buckeye shared. “That’s what makes you stand out in a program like Ohio State. The coaches expect greatness, and they expect it all the time.”

The Path Forward for Jeremiah Smith

As Jeremiah Smith prepares to make his college decision, the advice from the Ohio State legend should resonate deeply with him. While Smith’s talent is undeniable, it is the development of his skills, his commitment to hard work, and his ability to maintain consistency that will ultimately determine his success at Ohio State and beyond.

If Smith embraces the guidance he’s received, he has the potential to become not only a standout at Ohio State but also a future star in the NFL. With the right mindset, work ethic, and commitment to development, there is no limit to what he can achieve in his football career.

Ohio State, with its storied tradition of producing elite wide receivers, will provide Smith with the perfect environment to grow as a player. But as the Ohio State legend so wisely pointed out, it will be Smith’s own work ethic and determination that will set him apart and enable him to maximize his potential. With the foundation of development, hard work, and consistency, Smith has everything he needs to be the next great wide receiver in Ohio State’s legacy.

As he steps into the next chapter of his football journey, one thing is certain: if Smith takes the advice to heart and commits himself to continuous improvement, he has a bright future ahead—both at Ohio State and on the national stage.