In his final high school action before arriving at Ohio State, Jeremiah Smith showed why he was the No. 1 recruit in America.
The 6-foot-3, 214-pound wideout scored a touchdown on the opening drive of the All-American Bowl after a dominant week of practices for which he was named the All-American Bowl Player of the Year.
Four other OSU signees also participated in the game: five-star defensive end Eddrick Houston, four-star running back James Peoples, four-star offensive tackle Ian Moore and four-star linebacker Garrett Stover. All of them played on Team East with Smith.
The East fell to the West team, 31-28. Former OSU safety target Koi Perich, who opted to sign with Minnesota after a late push by Ohio State to flip him, was the MVP of the contest as he recorded an interception – on a deep ball that could have a second touchdown catch for Smith – and blocked a punt for the West squad.
Smith attempted to start the game in style as Team East ran a trick play that resulted in Jeremiah Smith throwing a deep ball on the first play from scrimmage, but the pass fell incomplete (though it drew a pass interference penalty).
The No. 1 overall recruit in the country made his mark a few plays later, though, recording the first touchdown of the All-American Bowl on a 22-yard catch. Moore was the first one to greet him after his big play.
Ohio State signee Jeremiah Smith scores the first touchdown of the All-American Bowl. pic.twitter.com/UD4rqtno1W
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) January 6, 2024
My Guy @IanMoore2024 pic.twitter.com/9ePfaOPH4u
— (@Jermiah_Smith1) January 6, 2024
Smith had one other catch in the first half, a nine-yard gain in the second quarter as time expired.
Houston made a nice play to end the first quarter, breaking through the line of scrimmage to record a tackle for loss. The Georgia product generated numerous pressures on West signal-callers throughout the contest.
Eddrick Houston (20) blowing this one up pic.twitter.com/kuhZITrGm0
— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) January 6, 2024
Moore received reps at right guard at the All-American Bowl, though the Indiana product will begin his Ohio State career as an offensive tackle. Peoples had limited carries in the contest but displayed his power as a runner.
Ohio State RB commit James Peoples lowers the shoulder. pic.twitter.com/h1pin5yula
— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) January 6, 2024
All five Ohio State signees who participated in the game are now headed to Columbus to begin their collegiate careers as early enrollees.
