An Ohio State legend offers his candid assessment of Jeremiah Smith.

An Ohio State Legend Offers His Candid Assessment of Jeremiah Smith

In the world of college football, few programs are as storied and celebrated as Ohio State. Known for its rich tradition of producing top-tier talent, the Buckeyes have been the launching pad for countless athletes who have gone on to leave their mark on the NFL and the broader football landscape. One of the most exciting recruits to emerge from Ohio State’s extensive pipeline in recent years is Jeremiah Smith, a highly touted wide receiver who has the potential to continue the program’s legacy of excellence at the position.

As Ohio State consistently seeks to bolster its roster with elite recruits, Smith has emerged as one of the most highly coveted players in the 2024 recruiting class. His combination of size, speed, and ball skills has placed him on the radar of coaches, scouts, and fans alike. However, it’s not just the numbers and accolades that have garnered attention—it’s the way he plays the game and the impact he’s expected to have on the Buckeyes’ offense. One Ohio State legend, whose own career is deeply tied to the program’s storied history, recently offered his candid assessment of Smith’s talents and potential as a Buckeye.

The Ohio State Legacy: High Expectations and Standards

Before delving into the assessment of Jeremiah Smith, it’s important to understand the context in which such an evaluation is being made. Ohio State football has long been a breeding ground for legendary players, especially at the wide receiver position. The program boasts a tradition of producing elite receivers who have gone on to dominate in the NFL, including names like Chris Carter, David Boston, Michael Jenkins, Terry McLaurin, and more recently, Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. Each of these players left a significant mark on the Buckeyes’ offense during their time in Columbus and has since found success at the professional level.

Ohio State has set the bar high when it comes to expectations for wide receivers. The program demands excellence from its players, and for a young talent like Jeremiah Smith, the pressure to perform at the highest level is substantial. What makes Smith’s situation even more intriguing is the fact that the Buckeyes have a deep, talented receiver corps, meaning that he will have an opportunity to learn from some of the best while also contributing to an already loaded offense.

With such a pedigree, it’s no surprise that Ohio State alumni and legends of the game have taken notice of the young wideout. One such figure, who played a key role in shaping the program’s identity and is regarded as one of Ohio State’s greatest wide receivers, recently shared his thoughts on Smith’s skills, character, and potential to make an impact as a Buckeye.

The Ohio State Legend: Perry Tuttle’s Insight into Jeremiah Smith

For the purposes of this piece, the assessment comes from Perry Tuttle, a wide receiver who made an indelible impact on Ohio State football in the early 1980s. Tuttle’s career with the Buckeyes was nothing short of legendary. Known for his exceptional route running, quickness, and ability to stretch the field, Tuttle was a key component of Ohio State’s explosive offense during his time with the program. After his playing days, Tuttle went on to a successful career in the NFL, where he further cemented his status as one of Ohio State’s most successful alumni.

As a wide receiver with experience both as a college player and at the professional level, Tuttle offers a rare and invaluable perspective on the current crop of wide receiver talent coming through Ohio State, including Jeremiah Smith. Tuttle’s candid assessment of Smith is a valuable indicator of the young player’s potential to succeed in a program that has produced so many greats before him.

The First Impressions: Size, Speed, and Agility

One of the first aspects that Tuttle highlights about Jeremiah Smith is his physical attributes. Standing at 6’3” and weighing around 200 pounds, Smith already possesses the prototypical size that NFL scouts look for in a wide receiver. Tuttle, who was known for his own physicality and ability to make plays in a variety of ways, notes that Smith’s size is a key asset to his game.

“Jeremiah has the frame and the build that you want in an elite wide receiver,” Tuttle explains. “He’s tall, strong, and fast. But it’s not just about the size—it’s about how he uses it. He has that rare combination of strength and speed that allows him to create separation, both on short routes and deep passes. When I watch him, I see a player who can do everything: run routes, make contested catches, and stretch the field. His physicality gives him an edge over most defenders.”

Tuttle’s praise for Smith’s size is particularly notable because Ohio State has produced so many successful wide receivers with similar physical traits. While being physically gifted is crucial, it’s the way Smith uses his body and athleticism that sets him apart. He can win in multiple ways, whether it’s using his size to outmuscle smaller defenders or using his speed and quickness to break away from larger, slower cornerbacks.

This blend of attributes, according to Tuttle, is a recipe for success in both college football and the NFL.

Route Running and Football IQ: An Advanced Understanding of the Game

One area where Tuttle believes Smith has the potential to separate himself from many of his contemporaries is in his route running and overall football IQ. Tuttle, who was known for his precision in executing routes, says that Smith’s ability to run crisp, disciplined routes is what will help him thrive in Ohio State’s offense.

“Jeremiah has such a high football IQ for a player his age. He knows where to be, how to read defenses, and how to exploit the weaknesses in coverage,” Tuttle says. “What stands out to me is his ability to run precise routes. Whether it’s a deep post, a comeback, or a slant, Jeremiah knows how to set up his defenders and make them pay. He’s not just running routes—he’s running routes with a purpose, with the goal of putting defenders on their heels. That’s what makes him so dangerous.”

Tuttle goes on to compare Smith’s ability to work defenders to some of the best wide receivers he’s seen throughout his time in college and the NFL. While Smith’s physical gifts are obvious, it’s his understanding of how to manipulate defenders, change speeds, and create separation that will allow him to succeed at the next level.

For Ohio State, having a wide receiver who not only possesses these technical skills but can also apply them with consistency will be invaluable. Tuttle believes that once Smith refines his craft further under the tutelage of Ohio State’s coaching staff, he could quickly become one of the most polished receivers in college football.

Attitude, Work Ethic, and Leadership

While physical skills and technical ability are key, Tuttle also emphasizes the importance of a player’s mindset and work ethic. In his assessment of Jeremiah Smith, Tuttle is quick to highlight Smith’s strong mentality and commitment to improving every day.

“Jeremiah has a great attitude and the right mindset for a player who wants to be great,” Tuttle notes. “He’s driven, focused, and willing to put in the work. And that’s something you really need in a young player. When you’ve got the talent and the work ethic, you can do anything. I’ve seen a lot of players with raw talent, but it’s that commitment to getting better every day that takes you to the next level.”

Tuttle also points to Smith’s ability to lead by example on the field. While Smith has yet to step onto the college stage at Ohio State, his reputation as a hard worker and team player precedes him. Tuttle believes that Smith’s leadership will come to the forefront once he joins the Buckeyes’ squad, helping him earn the respect of his teammates.

“Leadership isn’t always about talking; sometimes it’s about showing up every day and putting in the work,” Tuttle says. “Jeremiah is the kind of guy who will do just that. When you have that kind of mentality, you inspire others to do the same. And that’s what makes the difference in a successful program.”

The Future for Jeremiah Smith at Ohio State

Tuttle’s candid assessment of Jeremiah Smith paints a picture of a player with exceptional potential and a strong chance to make an immediate impact for Ohio State. His physical attributes, route-running ability, football IQ, and work ethic position him to thrive in one of the most competitive programs in the nation. Ohio State fans can be excited about the possibility of seeing Smith don the scarlet and gray, knowing that the Buckeyes are landing a player who could contribute in a significant way from day one.

For Ohio State, recruiting and developing players like Smith is key to maintaining its national relevance and continuing its tradition of excellence at the wide receiver position. With Tuttle’s endorsement and his assessment of Smith’s skills, it’s clear that Jeremiah Smith is a player to watch, both in college and at the next level.

As Smith begins his journey at Ohio State, he carries with him not just the weight of expectation but the support of those who have come before him—like Perry Tuttle—who know exactly what it takes to succeed in Columbus. With the right coaching and the right mindset, Smith is poised to follow in the footsteps of some of Ohio State’s greatest wide receivers and carve out his own legacy.