Tyreke Smith is not going anywhere.
The defensive side of the state of Ohio confirmed in a social media announcement on Monday that it will be back with the Buckeyes for the 2021 season, instead of entering the NFL draft.
All glory to God … Unfinished business pic.twitter.com/nNLH7fM4He
– Tyreke Smith (@ T_23_baller) January 19, 2021
Although there was some speculation that Smith could make the leap to the NFL, it would have been a questionable move after he registered only two sacks in 2020. While Smith arrived in Ohio as an almost five star recruit and has the physical tools to play on the defensive end of the league, he has not yet emerged as a consistent impact player for the Buckeyes and would probably have been a choice in the Day 3 draft.
Upon returning to Ohio for his senior season, however, Smith will have the opportunity to continue to develop under the tutelage of Larry Johnson and perhaps finally have his long-awaited 2021 breakout season. after Jonathon Cooper left.
With Smith’s decision to stay at Ohio State, the Buckeyes are expected to return four of their five defensive ends, who had regular playing time last season, including Zach Harrison, Tyler Friday and Javontae Jean-Baptiste. As they look for each of these defensive ends to step forward and make more impact shots in 2021, they will be loaded with depth in position, with Cormontae Hamilton, Noah Potter, Darrion Henry-Young and Jacolbe Cowan also returning and the recruit five star Jack Sawyer should arrive as a potential freshman of immediate impact.