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Ohio State Recruiting: What Buckeye fans can expect from DE Tyreke Smith

By Jeremy Brefere

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 25: Urban Meyer head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts to a play in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines on November 25, 2017 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 25: Urban Meyer head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts to a play in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines on November 25, 2017 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Ohio State 4-star-commit Tyreke Smith turns heads whenever he steps on the gridiron due to his massive stature and playmaking abilities on both sides of the ball.

Ohio State, Alabama, Penn State, Georgia, USC and 33 other schools offered Smith a scholarship, according to 247Sports.

Clear interest from the top programs in the country begs the question: What is so special about Smith?

It is difficult to fully analyze a player when your only source of film is his highlight tape, but I watched his highlights and diagnosed pros and cons that Ohio State fans will want to know before he dons the Scarlet and Gray.

Pros:

  • He delivers the surge at the line of scrimmage, doesn’t take it.
  • Extremely instinctive player; he has the instincts to keep his eyes up when coming off the ball, which allows him to follow pulling guards and make plays in the backfield.
  • Sets the outside edge
  • 6-foot-3-inch frame and long arms allow him to bat balls down at the line of scrimmage.
  • Creates separation at the line of scrimmage
  • Has enough athleticism to over-pursue on an outside rush, but cut back upfield to disrupt a dive or draw.
  • Solid understanding of rushing with his inside shoulder to keep his outside free, which prevents him from being trapped.
  • Burning desire to go where the ball goes; makes plays downfield.
  • Trusts his spin move as a secondary move in his arsenal.
  • Looks comfortable attacking from the left or right side.

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Smith will have time to further develop his raw ability under Greg Schiano’s high-intensity defense, but there are some things that Smith will need to work on to be an elite defender, which he is not far from.

There were not many cons to take away from Smith’s highlight tape, but here is what I noticed.

Cons:

  • Plays too high at times.
  • Will sometimes rely too much on athletic ability rather than fundamentals.
  • Doesn’t always extend arms on initial step off of the ball.
  • Lines up in the same stance on both sides of the line; doesn’t switch leg positioning.

The cons listed above can easily be fixed over summer, especially with the staff Urban Meyer has on hand and the natural talent Smith possesses.

Next: Buckeyes need linebackers to play better in 2018

Tyreke Smith has all of the capabilities to be a stud at OSU. Buckeye fans, don’t be surprised to see him possibly break some records at Ohio State and be a first-round NFL Draft pick one day.

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