Ohio State offers scholarship to son of NFL legend

Sometimes the athletic gene runs in the family.

Just like many current, future, and potential Buckeyes, another prized recruit with a former NFL standout as a father has received a chance to suit up in the Scarlet and Gray of Ohio State.

Following in the shoes of Joey Bosa, Nick Bosa, Taron Vincent, and others, class of 2020 running back EJ Smith, the son of NFL Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith, is the latest recruit to lock in a scholarship offer from the Buckeyes coaching staff.

With well over a year until he signs on a dotted line with a college program, Smith already has the attention of more than just the Buckeyes. Adding the scholarship from Ohio State to a growing list that consists of the likes of Georgia, Kentucky, SMU, and others, the Dallas (TX) Jesuit sophomore is definitely one keep an eye out for on the recruiting trail going forward.

Very similar to his father when he was with the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals, EJ Smith has shown big play ability when the football is in hands during his time with Dallas Jesuit.

Helping lead the Rangers to an overall record of 7-5 last season, the 5’10, 180-pound Smith came up big on the ground and through the air. Carrying the ball 176 times, he rushed for nearly 1,200 yards and 24 touchdowns, while hauling in 33 receptions for another 540 yards and seven trips to the end zone.

Want to see the younger Smith in action before he reaches the college level? Check out these highlights of EJ Smith, via the team at Hudl:

2019 OL wants OSU offer

With offers currently on the table from Michigan, Virginia Tech, Rutgers, Maryland, and others, class of 2019 National Christian Academy (MD) offensive tackle Will Harrod is hoping to add Ohio State to his list of scholarships soon.

According to a report by Adam Friedman of Rivals, the 6’6, 305-pound junior would love to have a chance to continue his playing days and education at Ohio State or Mississippi.

"I’m looking for offers from Ohio State and Ole Miss," Harrod said to Friedman. "I’ve been watching those schools for a while now. I know Ohio State is a great program and I met Larry Johnson recently. He could be a great coach. I can put my trust in him. I’ve been watching Ole Miss on TV. I know they’re in the SEC and I like how they run things on the field."

A big time prospect on the radar of not just Ohio State, but many other schools, Friedman had the following to say on what Harrod would bring to a college program.

“Harrod has a very bright future on the field...He could end up being a guard or tackle in college...Harrod's good feet and run blocking abilities are impressive. As a pass blocker Harrod has handled pretty much every defensive end that has come his way so far. It will be good to see how he does on the camp circuit this offseason.”

Quick Hits

• After recently sustaining a knee injury during the Texas state playoffs, 2018 Ohio State signee Matthew Baldwin, a three-star quarterback from Lake Travis, will wait to have his knee checked out by a doctor until he visits the OSU campus next week, per Bill Landis of Cleveland.com.
• A long list of future and potential Buckeyes were named to the 2017 American Family Insurance All-USA State Football Teams.