Jeremiah
Smith
United States
·
Football
Date of birth | November 29, 2005 |
|---|---|
Age | 20 |
Nationality | United States |
Disciplines | American Football |
Growing up in Miami Gardens, Florida, Jeremiah Smith, or as everyone but his mom calls him, “JJ,” has had a football in his hands since he was 4 years old.
Now 1,100 miles away in Columbus, Ohio, JJ continues to constantly have a ball in his hands as he takes the collegiate football world by storm at The Ohio State University.
And there’s a reason for that. Once JJ has that football in his hands, his face lights up. His love for the game is clear and he’s showcasing it as a Buckeye right now, quickly making an impact in his collegiate debut scoring two touchdowns.
JJ wants to emulate a Kobe Bryant-like Mamba mentality: always focusing on the process and trusting the hard work.
He didn’t settle after he was ranked the No. 1 Overall Recruit for the Class of 2024 by 24/7 Sports, leaving Chaminade-Madonna High School in Hollywood, Florida.
Instead, JJ became the first freshman to be named an “Iron Buckeye,” which Ohio State gives to players who demonstrate “unquestionable training, dedication, determination, discipline, toughness and leadership” in the offseason.
And he hasn’t stopped. That Week 1 Debut? JJ didn’t think he had a good game because he dropped his first pass. While he showcased his resilience to bounce back with 6 catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns, he chases perfection.
It shouldn’t be a surprise. Anyone who is around Jeremiah knows he doesn’t stop. They have stories of him working out or studying film even on off days. The only time he breaks from football is for schoolwork, gaming and diving into fashion. When he watches TV, it’s likely going to be only for sports, specifically football.
And if it's about football, JJ will be happy.