Ohio State is putting Jeremiah Smith front and center with a new push for the biggest individual honors in college football.
The Buckeyes unveiled a campaign called “JJ 4 It All” on Wednesday afternoon, a direct bid to get Smith in the conversation for the Heisman Trophy, Biletnikoff Award, Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Player of the Year Award.
Smith’s production has given Ohio State plenty to sell. Over three seasons in Columbus, he has piled up 232 receptions, 3,758 yards and 41 touchdowns, all school records. He also owns the Big Ten mark for the most all-time receiving touchdowns.
This season, the No. 4 has been even more dominant in the numbers game, catching 69 passes for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns. That puts him atop the Big Ten in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches.
Still, the last two weeks have not been smooth for Smith. He has voiced frustration on the field as Ohio State has dropped back-to-back games, and his target count has been limited with Luke Fahey taking over for Julian Sayin at quarterback.
The campaign also makes a notable omission. It does not mention Ohio State’s goals of winning the Big Ten title or the national championship, which fits the reality that the Buckeyes are unlikely to reach the College Football Playoff or the Big Ten Championship Game. Instead, it points to the rivalry game against Michigan as the top team objective.
If Ohio State wants Smith to stay in the mix for the Heisman and the rest of those awards, getting him the ball has to be the priority.
“There’s always conversation. You know, 'How do we get the ball to Jeremiah?'”
Ryan Day said on Tuesday. “You could feel [the lack of Jeremiah’s usage].
When you look at, how we design plays and everything, the first thing we try to make sure (is) that he’s touching the ball… It’s always a priority.”
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