As spring practice is now underway for College Football teams, coaches look to see what the new recruits are all about. With a talented 2024 high school class, many players can make an impact the first game of the season but only a few separate themselves from the others. Let’s get into the freshmen who could make an immediate impact this fall:
Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State (Wide Receiver)
Over the last few years, Ohio State has produced some of the best wide receivers in the National Football League. From first-round picks in recent years such as Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson and likely top five pick, Marvin Harrison Jr. , the shortage of receivers doesn’t seem to stop anytime soon.
Now introducing Jeremiah Smith, Smith was a consensus top 3 player in all of high school football while attending Chaminade Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida. With Ohio State’s receiver room being lead by senior standout, Emeka Egbuka, another spotlight position is up for grabs which is a perfect place for Smith to be in. But what does Jeremiah Smith bring to the table on why he could make an impact early in the season?
Smith is 6’3, and 215 pounds which already gives him a size advantage along with a great contested catch ability. He has polished route running skills, allowing him to create separation off the release and gives him a chance to accelerate with killer speed which is a nightmare for any defensive back.
With a fresh season upon the Buckeyes, with the best roster they have had in years, I believe it is a perfect position for Jeremiah Smith to enter along with top transfer quarterback Will Howard.
KJ Bolden, Georgia (Safety)
The Georgia Bulldogs have always had a very high reputation of a solid secondary, which has produced plenty of NFL talent. We all know how good as a team Georgia has been in the past three seasons, high courtesy to head coach, Kirby Smart. Not only has Smart been a great coach, but a great recruiter as well. With another key piece in 5 star safety, KJ Bolden added to the 2024 recruiting class, the Bulldogs look to get back to winning another National Championship.
Bolden is an extremely fast and physical defensive back which imposes fear for any wide receivers or quarterbacks throwing his way. His high football IQ has shown on film, and he is an extremely versatile player. With his stud ability on the defensive side of the ball, I look forward to him making a big impact on the field along with another star safety, Malaki Starks.
The two safeties carry extremely athletic abilities to confuse most of the high powered offenses they play against. Overall, this Georgia Bulldogs team could return to a familiar site in a national championship and players like KJ Bolden can help them reach their potential.
Dylan Raiola, Nebraska (Quarterback)
Dylan Raiola has had a rollercoaster ride of recruitment, but it seems like he has found his home in Nebraska. With the Cornhuskers having lots of problems at the quarterback position last season, Raiola has the chance to cement himself as a starter for multiple years beginning this fall.
Raiola has a skilled ability to extend the play and takeover any game. He also can throw the deep ball with great accuracy due to his arm strength, and is just an overall winner who could bring success to any team.
To help out the freshmen quarterback, Nebraska has found itself recruiting well in the transfer portal. Specifically in the wide receiver position, along with a big and skilled tight end room. Despite all of this, it is not guaranteed that Raiola will be starting immediately due to the deep and skilled quarterback room. Nonetheless, this should be Raiola’s team and should be starting sooner rather than later. Raiola is also getting great experience and tips from quarterback coach, Glenn Thomas to polish his game and to translate his skills over to the collegiate level.
With teams such as USC, Oregon, UCLA etc. playing in the Big Ten this upcoming season, it will be more difficult for any team to run away with a championship. Due to this Raiola will be put in a tough position, playing against some of the best teams in the country but his football instincts along with a talented arm should be able to overcome these problems.
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