**Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith Breaks Down His Approach to Beating Man Coverage**
Ohio State Buckeyes’ freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is already making waves in Columbus, and in a recent interview, he provided insight into his approach to facing man-to-man coverage. The highly touted five-star recruit, known for his size, speed, and elite route-running, emphasized the importance of preparation, technique, and confidence when going up against defensive backs one-on-one.
**Winning the Mental Battle**
Smith made it clear that success against man coverage begins before the snap. “It all starts with film study,” he said. “I want to know my opponent’s tendencies—how they press, their footwork, whether they like to jam or bail out. Once I understand that, I can set up my routes to attack their weaknesses.”
Confidence also plays a major role. “You have to believe that no one can guard you,” Smith added. “If I step on the field and think the DB has a chance, I’ve already lost.”
**Precision in Route Running**
One of Smith’s biggest strengths is his polished route-running ability. He explained how he uses deception to gain separation. “I focus on keeping my releases unpredictable—sometimes I’ll give them a quick jab step, other times I’ll use a hesitation move. It’s all about keeping them guessing.”
Footwork and body control are also critical. “I work on sudden breaks and staying low in my cuts,” he said. “If you can sink your hips and explode out of your breaks, it’s almost impossible for a DB to stay with you.”
**Physicality and Hands**
While finesse is important, Smith also understands the value of physicality. “I don’t shy away from contact,” he noted. “If a DB tries to jam me, I use my hands to fight through. If they play off, I use my body to shield them from the ball.”
Smith also takes pride in his ability to make contested catches. “If the ball is in the air, it’s mine. Simple as that,” he said. “I train to high-point the football and use my frame to box out defenders.”
With his elite skill set and mature approach to the game, Smith is poised to be a major weapon for Ohio State this season. Buckeyes fans are eager to see him put these principles into action on Saturdays.
