By Bill Greene
FOX Sports Ohio | Scout.com
Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011
Devin Smith is officially a Buckeye, as the Massillon star wide receiver has faxed his letter of intent to Ohio State. The four-star wide receiver had an impressive career for the Tigers, leaving the school as one of their all-time leaders statistically.
Smith, 6-foot-1, 175-pounds, will look to challenge for playing time next season at wide receiver. The Buckeyes return several wide receivers, including DeVier Posey, Philly Brown, Chris Fields, James Jackson, Tyrone Williams and James Louis.
As a senior, Smith caught 60 passes for 1,130 yards and nine touchdowns while earnign first-team all-state, all-district and all-county honors. he also carried the ball 10 times for 36 yards and completed 2 of 3 passes for 53 yards and a touchdowns.
For his career, Smith ranks second in most receiving categories in Washington history.
BREAKDOWN:
Smith is close to being ready to play right off the bat, and a comparison would be to former Buckeye Brian Hartline. He combines great hands, quick feet and an explosive burst, and will only get better as he spends time in the Buckeye program.
"Smith is an explosive receiver capable of taking a quick slant route the distance. He has good body control and adjusts well to the ball in the air. His hands are solid, but it's his ability to make a play after the catch that make the difference. He's a fluid athlete that can make one cut and run by a defense. Will develop more strength in the weight room as he matures, has run after the catch ability that can't be taught," - Scott Kennedy.
Smith on his future:
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound, Smith took his official visit to Ohio State this past weekend, and was hosted by freshman wide receiver Tyrone Williams.
"I had a great time this weekend and I truly feel a part of the Buckeye family now," Smith stated. "I hung out with T.Y. (Williams) and Christian Bryant, and those guys were great. We went to the basketball game today and I loved that, being inside St. John Arena."
Smith also spent time with Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel and wide receivers coach Darrell Hazell.
"Coach Tressel was great and we talked a lot this weekend," he explained. "He was very relaxed and cool, really just a great guy to be around. Coach Hazell told me we will be getting together after Signing Day, to go over what he expects from me before I report."
"The best part of the visit was really being around the other commits, and getting to know them better," he continued. "Braxton Miller and I struck up a nice friendship at camp, and it was cool to be around him again. Braxton is a great guy, and he is very humble for someone who has gotten so much attention. You can tell he has great leadership qualities about him."
