Jeremiah Smith, Buckeyes React to Freshman of the Year Snub

Photo by Samantha Madar/USA Today Network via Imagn Images

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Texas (12-2) edge rusher Colin Simmons won the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award on Dec. 26. Simmons had an incredible season, including 8 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and an interception. Despite his standout year, many fans were left wondering why Ohio State (11-2) star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was snubbed after appearing to be the front-runner most of the year. At a Dec. 28 press conference, Smith and other Buckeyes offered brief reactions to the news.

Chip Kelly, Offensive Coordinator

Kelly was first to the podium, where he indicated he had not previously been aware of a Freshman of the Year Award in college football.

Kelly's exchange with reporters began when he was asked if Smith's after-catch ability was underrated. He quickly interjected: "I don't think anything about JJ [Smith] is underrated." Reporters responded that Smith did not receive the award for the best freshman. Kelly retorted, "They have that?" After remarks about the award, Kelly asked rhetorically, "and he didn't win it?" He then asked who won the award. When reporters indicated that Simmons received the honor, Kelly acknowledged the Longhorns frosh had a terrific season. Regardless, Kelly appeared flabbergasted that Smith was not recognized by those who voted as the best first-year player in the country.

Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver

Unlike Kelly, Egbuka had heard the news before ascending to the podium, indicating his awareness of the award and its recipient. He said he had seen that Simmons had won when it was initially announced. When asked for his thoughts on the matter, he simply said, "We know what we got here on our side. We're not too worried about awards and stuff like that." He added, "I know JJ, the type of kid that he is, that's only going to motivate him more. It's fuel to the fire."

Jeremiah Smith, Wide Receiver

Smith, of course, was asked about the award himself. As soon as it was brought up, a big smile lit up on his face. He kept his response very cordial and only had positive things to say. "I mean, Colin is a great player as well. I can't really knock him. Shaun (Alexander) is a great guy. I talked to him two weeks ago. He's a great guy. I learned a lot of things from him outside of football as well." He then wrapped up, "I'm just worried about beating Oregon and going out there to Pasadena and putting on a show."

Smith's smile clearly showed that he was ready for the question and was prepared to answer and diffuse it. He has often talked about letting his play do the talking this season, and he has surely done that. Smith thus far has put up 1,037 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 63 catches. He has also added a score and 47 yards on 4 rushing attempts. His numbers have done more than enough to back up the case for him as the best freshman in the country. The eye test has matched those numbers, with the countless highlight-reel, one-handed grabs over defenders.

This snub will likely motivate Smith, just as Egbuka said it would. He has shown his impressive work ethic in his first year, named an "Iron Buckeye" for his relentlessness in offseason workouts.

At the press conference, Smith even said that he asked WR coach Brian Hartline to challenge him during the practices before the CFP first-round 42-17 win over Tennessee (10-3). That challenge resulted in a 6-catch, 103-yard, 2-touchdown performance. After the award snub, fans can expect to see more prolific results from Smith.