BREAKING NEWS:Reacting To Jeremiah Smith Picking Ohio State Over Miami | How Close Did The Hurricanes Come?

Jeremiah Smith had long been verbally committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes, but the final minutes before his announcement remained tense.

Miami, Florida State, and Florida had never stopped recruiting the Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 5-Star wide receiver. Miami was reportedly trending strongly, if not surging, in the hours and minutes leading up to his final announcement.

He eventually donned the Buckeyes hat. On my Locked on Canes podcast, I discussed the news and how close Miami came.

Smith spoke with reporters shortly after announcing his commitment to Ohio State. He claims he didn’t make up his mind until about two minutes before announcing OSU. He was carrying a black bag containing two hats, one for Miami and one for Ohio State.

For several weeks, Florida State was considered a strong contender, but Miami appears to have passed their in-state rivals earlier this week. In the end, neither could persuade Smith to leave Ohio State.

While I am disappointed that Miami was unable to retain the country’s top player, I respect Smith’s decision. The Buckeyes have a proven track record of producing wide receivers who are drafted in the first round.

With wide receivers coach Kevin Beard, I believe Miami is on the right track. He did an excellent job last season with Xavier Restrepo, Jacolby George, and Colbie Young, all of whom had career seasons. The Hurricanes must continue to improve if they are to demonstrate to the next Jeremiah Smiths of the world that the University of Miami can be a destination for elite wide receivers.