Jeremiah Smith discusses willingness to be a 'decoy' in national championship
Jeremiah Smith has had a sensational first season at Ohio State.
The dynamic true freshman wide receiver — who has 17 touchdowns and over 1,200 yards — will be a primary focus of Notre Dame’s defense during Monday’s College Football Playoff National Championship Game, just as he was in the Cotton Bowl semifinal when he was held to just a single catch.
If he finds himself limited again on Monday, Smith hopes it opens up opportunities for other teammates.
“You watch the film, (Texas) doubled, tripled me, dropping into flats, as well, but just being a decoy out there helped us win the game for sure,” Smith said on Saturday.
While Smith had a slow evening, fellow wide receivers Carnell Tate and Emeka Egbuka didn’t: Tate had 7 catches for 87 yards while Egbuka added 5 catches for 51 yards.
“It’s pretty frustrating, but I’ve got to do what’s best for the team,” he said. “We’ve got other guys on the team that can do what I can do. But I’m not a selfish player. It’s not just all about me.
“If I’ve got to be a decoy this game, as well, all I want to do is win, so if that’s what it takes, … that’s what I’ll do.”