The world of college football recruiting often generates intense debates and comparisons between elite prospects, especially when two standout players are vying for the title of the nation’s best. One such case involves Oregon Ducks’ 5-star wide receiver commit Dakorien Moore and Ohio State’s prized receiver Jeremiah Smith, another 5-star recruit. Both athletes represent the pinnacle of talent in the 2024 recruiting class, sparking discussions about their strengths, potential, and fit within their respective programs.
Background and Recruitment Journey
Dakorien Moore, hailing from Duncanville High School in Texas, has emerged as one of the most electrifying wide receivers in the country. Known for his blazing speed, precise route-running, and ability to make acrobatic catches, Moore committed to the Oregon Ducks in a recruiting win that solidified head coach Dan Lanning’s ability to attract top-tier talent. Oregon’s offensive system, which emphasizes creativity and explosive plays, is seen as an ideal fit for Moore’s dynamic skill set.
On the other hand, Jeremiah Smith, a product of Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Florida, has been heralded as a generational talent at the wide receiver position. Standing at 6–3” and weighing 200 pounds, Smith combines size, speed, and physicality in a way that is rarely seen at the high school level. His commitment to Ohio State underscores the Buckeyes’ long-standing tradition of developing elite wide receivers under the tutelage of position coach Brian Hartline. Smith’s recruitment was a fierce battle, with programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Miami making strong pushes, but Ohio State ultimately prevailed.
Physical Attributes and Athleticism
When comparing Moore and Smith, their physical profiles highlight distinct differences in style. Moore stands at 5–11” and weighs 175 pounds, making him slightly smaller than Smith. However, his compact frame allows him to excel in agility and acceleration. Moore’s 40-yard dash time, reportedly in the 4.3-second range, showcases his elite speed, which is crucial for stretching defenses and creating separation.
In contrast, Smith’s size gives him a natural advantage in contested catch situations. At 6’3”, he has the height and wingspan to dominate smaller defensive backs. His physicality and ability to high-point the football make him a nightmare in the red zone. While Smith may not match Moore’s top-end speed, his combination of burst and long strides allows him to be a vertical threat as well.
Skill Set and Play Style
Moore’s game is defined by his versatility and explosiveness. He thrives as both a deep threat and a playmaker in space, capable of turning short catches into long gains. His crisp route-running and ability to change direction on a dime make him a technician on the field. Additionally, Moore’s knack for making circus catches in tight coverage demonstrates his exceptional body control and focus.
Smith, on the other hand, plays with a blend of power and finesse. His routes are smooth and deceptive, often leaving defenders guessing. Smith’s ability to track the ball in the air and make difficult catches look routine sets him apart. Furthermore, his physicality allows him to excel in blocking assignments and breaking tackles, adding another dimension to his game.
College Fit and Potential Impact
At Oregon, Moore projects as an immediate contributor in an offense that prioritizes tempo and big plays. Offensive coordinator Will Stein’s scheme is designed to get playmakers the ball in space, and Moore’s skill set aligns perfectly with this philosophy. His speed and quickness will likely make him a focal point in Oregon’s passing attack, particularly on deep routes and bubble screens.
For Smith, Ohio State’s wide receiver factory provides the perfect environment to maximize his potential. With recent first-round NFL Draft picks like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerging from the program, Smith joins a lineage of elite pass-catchers. Under Hartline’s guidance, Smith has the opportunity to refine his game further and become a dominant force in the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense.
NFL Potential
Both Moore and Smith are widely regarded as future NFL players, but their paths to the league could look different. Moore’s size and play style draw comparisons to players like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, both of whom have excelled as undersized yet explosive receivers in the NFL. If Moore continues to develop his route-running and learns to handle the physicality of the next level, his speed and playmaking ability could make him a game-changer.
Smith’s profile aligns more closely with prototypical outside receivers like DeAndre Hopkins or A.J. Green. His size, combined with his ability to make contested catches and dominate one-on-one matchups, gives him a skill set that NFL teams covet. If Smith can maintain his athleticism while adding polish to his technique, he has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone at the wide receiver position.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Dakorien Moore
Strengths:
- Elite speed and acceleration.
- Exceptional route-running and change of direction.
- Ability to create separation and make plays in space.
- Strong hands and body control for acrobatic catches.
Weaknesses:
- Smaller frame could make him susceptible to physical defenders.
- Needs to improve consistency in contested catch situations.
- Durability concerns due to his size.
Jeremiah Smith
Strengths:
- Prototypical size and physicality.
- Excellent ball skills and contested catch ability.
- Smooth and polished route-running for his size.
- Versatility to play outside or in the slot.
Weaknesses:
- Lacks elite top-end speed.
- Can occasionally rely too much on his physicality instead of technique.
- May take longer to adjust to college-level defensive schemes.
