### Former Star Maurice Clarett Advises Ohio State Freshman Jeremiah Smith on Balancing Talent and Challenges

In a world where football talents blossom in parallel paths, Maurice Clarett and Jeremiah Smith's journeys offer strikingly similar arcs — albeit in different eras and on different fields. Clarett's once-storied career at Ohio State, marred by off-field controversies, stands as a cautionary tale. Now, at 40, the former Buckeye running back dedicates his time to mentoring rising stars like Smith, a sensational wide receiver who is capturing headlines with his extraordinary performances.

Smith, esteemed as the former No. 1 overall recruit, has shaken up the college football scene much like Clarett did two decades earlier. Excelling in his freshman season, Smith ranks as the second-leading receiver in the Big Ten and has made spectacular one-handed catches that have vaulted him into the Heisman Trophy consideration.

Each Tuesday sees Clarett crossing paths with current Ohio State players, offering insights and guidance born from his tumultuous past. It has been 22 years since Clarett arrived from Youngstown, Ohio, to lead the Buckeyes to the 2002 national championship, a victory overshadowed by subsequent academic issues and NCAA scrutiny that led to his dismissal from the team in 2003.

Clarett has since reinvented himself as a successful entrepreneur. Reflecting on Smith's potential and the Ohio State program's evolution over the years, Clarett notes the crucial differences. In 2024, challenges such as the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, the transfer portal, and conference realignment have added layers of complexity to college football, a far cry from Clarett's time with the "Luckeyes."

Ohio State's reputation as "Wide Receiver U" is bolstered by talents like Smith, who recently earned the Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors and is a contender for the Big Ten Player of the Year. His standout performance against Michigan State, featuring two viral one-handed catches, underscores his pivotal role as the Buckeyes aim to break a three-game losing streak to Michigan, win the Big Ten, and secure a berth in the College Football Playoff.

Clarett draws comparisons between his rapid ascent and Smith's current trajectory, acknowledging both faced immense pressures at the tender age of 18. Clarett's own career, though brilliant, was cut short by off-field troubles, which started with being denied permission to return home for a friend's funeral after the Fiesta Bowl. Despite an impressive freshman season with 1,237 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, Clarett's collegiate journey ended prematurely.

Determined not to repeat his predecessor's mistakes, Smith remains focused on football excellence, bolstered by modern opportunities such as NIL deals. Smith's cousin, Seahawks QB Geno Smith, and robust NIL arrangements, reflective of Ohio State's $20 million investment in the current roster, provide him with a solid support system.

Maurice Clarett's advice for players like Smith is grounded in experience: it’s critical to heed good counsel and understand today's vastly different landscape where players can earn millions. His story, though largely unknown to current players, serves as a potent reminder of the perils and possibilities accompanying football stardom.

As Smith continues to dominate on the field, Clarett's guidance underscores the delicate balance of talent, opportunity, and personal choices. The former Buckeye star hopes his past challenges will inform and inspire Ohio State's next generation, ensuring they translate their potential into sustained success.