Ohio State? Miami? FSU? The latest on Chaminade five-star WR Jeremiah Smith’s recruitment
Jeremiah Smith won multiple championships growing up playing football for the Miami Gardens Ravens with Jojo Trader and Cedrick Bailey.
Smith spent his high school career since transferring to Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna after his freshman season pretty much the same way, with his same teammates by his side.
On Thursday morning at Bragg Stadium at Florida A&M University, Smith’s final high school game ended with him sharing another championship with Trader and Bailey after Chaminade routed Clearwater Central Catholic 56-0 in the Class 1M final.
But will the Lions’ trio of stars continue winning together in college?
And will they do that at the University of Miami, the school to which Trader has already committed?
“I’m trying to convince them to go with me,” Trader said after Thursday’s game. “It’s been working pretty well, but we have to wait till Signing Day. We’ve grown up with each other and it’s like a brotherhood so that’s a big factor.”
National Signing Day is less than two weeks away on Dec. 20.
We probably won’t know until then if Smith, a five-star wide receiver rated the top prospect overall in the nation by 247Sports, will stick to his commitment to Ohio State or change his mind.
Both the Hurricanes and Florida State are making a hard push to flip Smith within that time. Smith is even taking an official visit to FSU this weekend.
But for now, Smith says he remains steadfast to his commitment to become the latest star receiver for the Buckeyes.
“No one’s a threat to Ohio State,” Smith said. “Everyone is still involved. But no one’s a threat to Ohio State.”
With Buckeyes offensive coordinator Brian Hartline watching, Smith put together the last of his numerous memorable performances at Chaminade.
Smith caught the first three passes of the game from Bailey, speeding to a 50-yard touchdown on the third of those. He finished with 11 catches overall for 170 yards for the game.
For his season, Smith totaled 88 catches for 1,376 yards and 19 touchdowns.
For his career in three seasons at Chaminade, Smith caught 177 passes for 3,030 yards and 45 touchdowns.
“I’m a little emotional right now because this is my last high school game,” Smith said. “My coaches told me this week in practice they would go to me first drive, and the first three catches, I made it happen.”
We also might not know until Signing Day if Bailey, who remains committed to NC State and threw for four touchdown passes and 322 yards in front of multiple Wolfpack coaches including head coach Dave Doeren on Thursday, will also be persuaded to flip to UM.
Smith acknowledged Thursday that who plays quarterback at the school he ultimately ends up signing with will play a role in his decision.
“Definitely quarterback plays a big part in recruitment because you need to have someone to get you the ball,” Smith said. “It’s crazy how many kids are in the transfer portal but everyone has to do what’s best for them.”
Many believe Smith (6-3, 185 pounds) is destined not only for a stellar college career, but success in the NFL as well.
“He’s probably the top player I’ve coached because of his talent and his work ethic,” said Chaminade coach Dameon Jones, who coached NFL players like Zack Moss and Tyler Huntley in high school. “Jeremiah’s a humble kid. He doesn’t cry for the ball or ask for the ball. He’s just a different kid. He’s a dog. He won’t say much, but he’s a dog. And he wants to get better. When you have that mindset, sky’s the limit.”
But where will that next step take place?
“My mind is just on Ohio State right now,” Smith said. “I’m just taking a visit (to FSU), that’s all. I’ll just enjoy myself this weekend and spend time with (Chaminade alum) Edwin Joseph and just have a good time. I’ve seen everything I had to see there. I’m just taking my official visit and seeing how it goes.”
This story was originally published December 7, 2023 at 4:55 PM.
