Ohio State Football: What makes Jaxon Smith-Njigba so good

The Ohio State football team has had some really good receivers play for them over the years. Just this past year, they had two guys play for them that were first-round picks. Both Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson are going to be superstars at the next level.

And yet, perhaps the best receiver in the room last year was Jaxon Smith-Njigba. JSN had the best statistical season of all of the receivers last year, including setting a Rose Bowl record for receiving yards. What makes Smith-Njigba so good at what he does?

Part of it is the fact that JSN can run any route. While he is mostly used in the slot, he can also take off down the sidelines and run the go route. He’s clearly not afraid to go over the middle with him spending most of his time in the slot. He can run out routes too as well as double-moves.

That impressive route tree is one thing. But as a receiver, you also have to be able to get separation. JSN does a great job of getting separation too. He is wide open a lot on the field. When you get that wide open, it’s easy for your quarterback to hit you in stride.

Smith-Njibga also does really well after the catch. He can pick up yards quickly on a bubble screen on the outside or a quick in route over the middle. He’s shifty so he’s extremely hard to bring down in the open field too. Simply put, he has the whole package as a receiver.

I’d expect Smith-Njigba to have an even better year in 2022 now that he will be the number one option on the team. While that means he’s going to get more attention from defenses, he’s still really good at using his body to shield defenders away from the ball to make contested catches.

This could be one of the all-time great years for a receiver.