COLUMBUS, OH – Former Ohio State star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has dropped a very honest confession about The Game against Michigan, a rivalry that has been one of the most intense and storied in college football.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Smith-Njigba, who is now preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft, opened up about the emotions and pressure that come with playing in The Game.
“Honestly, it’s a game that you can’t even explain to people who haven’t been a part of it,” Smith-Njigba said. “The hype, the energy, the hatred – it’s all real. And it’s not just about the game itself, it’s about the entire week leading up to it. The practices, the meetings, the media obligations – everything is just amplified.”
Smith-Njigba, who had some of his most memorable performances against the Wolverines during his time at Ohio State, confessed that the pressure to perform in The Game can be overwhelming at times.
“There were times when I felt like I was carrying the weight of the entire state of Ohio on my shoulders,” he said. “And it’s not just about me, it’s about every single player on that team. We all feel that pressure, that responsibility to represent our school, our state, and our fans.”
Despite the pressure, Smith-Njigba said that playing in The Game was an experience he will always cherish.
“It’s a game that you’ll never forget, no matter what the outcome is,” he said. “The atmosphere, the intensity, the passion – it’s all just so unique. And when you’re a part of it, you feel like you’re a part of something special.”
Smith-Njigba’s comments about The Game are a testament to the enduring rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan. The two programs have been battling it out on the gridiron for over a century, and the intensity and passion of the rivalry only continue to grow with each passing year.
As for Smith-Njigba, he is now focused on preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft, where he is expected to be one of the top wide receiver prospects. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Smith-Njigba is confident that his experiences playing in The Game have prepared him for the next level.
“Playing in The Game is like playing in the NFL, minus the paychecks,” he joked. “The speed, the physicality, the intensity – it’s all just so similar. So, I feel like I’m more than prepared to make the jump to the next level.”
_Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s Career Stats:_
– 2,321 receiving yards
– 15 touchdowns
– 143 receptions
_Ohio State vs Michigan Rivalry:_
– One of the most intense and storied rivalries in college football
– The two programs have been battling it out on the gridiron for over a century
– The rivalry is often referred to as “The Game”
_2024 NFL Draft:_
– Jaxon Smith-Njigba is expected to be one of the top wide receiver prospects in the draft
– The draft is scheduled to take place on April 25-27 in Kansas City, Missouri
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