Two of the biggest early stars of the 2024 college football season are Miami quarterback Cam Ward and Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Ward, a transfer from Washington State, is QB1 for the 6-0 Miami Hurricanes and a Heisman Trophy contender. Smith, the No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class who is widely considered to be one of the best freshman receiver prospects in history, leads Ohio State in yards (453), touchdowns (six) and “holy crap did he just do that!?” one-handed catches.
Now imagine them teaming up on the same Miami team.
Don’t worry, Buckeyes fans. Smith isn’t going anywhere. But this whopper of a what-if did nearly happen last December, Smith told 247Sports on New Year’s Day at the All-American Bowl in San Antonio. He was a few weeks removed from a dramatic Signing Day — the longtime Buckeye commit allowed for some drama with Miami entering the picture, then did not send in his LOI until later Wednesday night — and opened up on the few hours between his announcement and his official paperwork signing, which would ultimately bind him to the Buckeyes.
Here’s a reconstruction of Smith’s version of events:
The night before Signing Day, Ohio State’s collective and Smith’s camp were locked in negotiations about Smith name, image and likeness deal. Smith said his agent didn’t see the contract until Wednesday. The family wanted to make sure everything looked good.
Smith and his family went to a hibachi restaurant to celebrate his commitment to the Buckeyes. Smith devoured his rice, chicken, steak and shrimp. That’s about the time his phone started to blow up. Word started to get around that Smith hadn’t yet signed his letter of intent. That meant other schools could still contact and try to flip him and by now you should know…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/one-phone-call-nearly-paired-up-cam-ward-and-jeremiah-smith-at-miami-inside-the-great-what-if/
Author : Chris Hummer
Publish date : 2024-10-11 17:03:35
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