Regardless of position, Jeremiah Smith might be college football's most exciting player. The soon-to-be sophomore couldn't have had a more storybook ending to his freshman season as he guided the Ohio State Buckeyes to their first national title win in a decade.
Now, he's looking for more. College football writers like Blake Brockermeyer are so keen about Smith that it's enough to rank him as the sport's best player – even as a wide receiver and not a traditional quarterbacking position, for example.
"I'm expecting a bigger, faster, stronger version of the best true freshman receiver of our lifetime," Brockermeyer wrote Monday. "Smith is a matchup nightmare who can dominate the contested catches and make the one-handed grabs in his sleep."
Nearly eclipsing 1,000 yards this past season, Brockermeyer added it's only a matter of time before Smith becomes a non-coverable receiving threat.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
"Smith will have high expectations and a ton of deserved hype entering the season, no matter who is under center. Expect extra attention from defenses, like what Texas showed him in the College Football Playoff," Brockermeyer wrote.
Luckily for Smith, he'll get to prove himself against those same Texas Longhorns to begin next season in a potential playoff preview once again.
This likely won't be the last time Smith is given this much praise that quickly. After all, Day was adamant that Smith is his "own person."
Now, it's up to Smith to keep forging his path and live up to expectations.
MORE: Luke Altmyer QB stat could be key for Illinois' Bret Bielema in 'prove it' season