In the world of college football, standout performances often lead to well-deserved accolades, but sometimes the awards don’t tell the whole story. This season, in his inaugural role as the offensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Chip Kelly has witnessed the exceptional talent of wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Despite his impressive statistics, Smith did not clinch the coveted Freshman Player of the Year award. That honor instead went to edge rusher Colin Simmons of the Texas Longhorns, a decision that has sparked conversations among fans and analysts alike.
Chip Kelly’s Reaction to the Award Decision
Following the announcement of Simmons’ award, Kelly expressed his thoughts on the situation. Initially unaware that Smith had missed out on the recognition, he remarked, “I don’t think anything about [Jeremiah Smith] is underrated.” Upon learning that Smith did not win, Kelly’s surprise was palpable. “He wasn’t? They have that? He didn’t win it? Who won it? [Colin Simmons] Oh, the linebacker? He’s a good player,” he said, shrugging off the news.
Kelly, who has a keen eye for talent, acknowledged Simmons’ abilities, stating, “Kid’s a good player, though. I’m telling you, the kid from Texas is a good football player.” His comments reflect the competitive nature of college football, where multiple players shine in their respective roles.
Jeremiah Smith’s Stellar Season
Despite not receiving the Freshman Player of the Year title, Jeremiah Smith has been nothing short of phenomenal this season. As a wide receiver, he has amassed an impressive 63 receptions for 1,037 yards and 12 touchdowns. Notably, he also contributed a rushing touchdown, showcasing his versatility on the field. One of his standout performances came in the first round of the College Football Playoff, where he delivered a massive two-touchdown game against Tennessee.
Smith’s ability to make big plays has not gone unnoticed by fans and analysts. Many argue that his contributions have been pivotal to Ohio State’s success this season. With such impressive stats, how can one overlook his impact? While comparisons between players in different positions can be tricky, it’s clear that both Smith and Simmons have made their marks in college football this year.
Colin Simmons: A Rising Star
On the other hand, Colin Simmons has also been making waves in his freshman season at Texas. Arriving as a five-star recruit in the Class of 2024, Simmons has certainly lived up to the hype. He has recorded 39 total tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, and an impressive 8.0 sacks. Additionally, he has demonstrated his skills in pass coverage with an interception and three forced fumbles.
Simmons’ performance has solidified his status as a key player for the Longhorns. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses has been crucial in Texas’ success this season. As both players continue to shine, fans are left to wonder how they will perform in the upcoming playoff games.
Looking Ahead: The College Football Playoff
As the College Football Playoff approaches, both Jeremiah Smith and Colin Simmons are poised to showcase their talents on a national stage. With their respective teams gearing up for quarterfinal matchups, the anticipation is building. If both players can lead their teams to victory, they will face off in the semifinals, creating a thrilling showdown that college football fans won’t want to miss.
The next opportunity for Ohio State fans to see Jeremiah Smith in action will be in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day against Oregon. This highly anticipated game will not only highlight Smith’s skills but also offer a chance for him to further prove his worth on a big stage.
Coach Ryan Day’s Insights on Jeremiah Smith
While Jeremiah Smith has garnered significant attention for his performances, his head coach Ryan Day believes there is one key attribute that often goes overlooked. Day emphasized Smith’s size and physicality, stating, “When you get up on him, you realize how big he is and how big he plays.” He noted that this quality will be essential in upcoming games, particularly as they face formidable opponents.
Day praised the work of wide receivers coach Brian Hartline, acknowledging the development of the entire receiving corps. “Certainly everybody’s involved in the pass game, in terms of the protection, Will [Howard] making the throws, but creating separation and making plays is what’s important,” Day explained. With Smith’s ability to create separation and make plays, he will be a crucial asset for Ohio State in the playoffs.
As the season progresses, the excitement surrounding both Jeremiah Smith and Colin Simmons continues to grow. Fans are eager to see how these talented freshmen will impact their teams’ playoff runs. With their skills on display, college football enthusiasts can expect thrilling performances and unforgettable moments as the postseason unfolds.
