Ohio State running back Rod Smith has been dismissed from the club for the deaded and intentionally ambiguous violation of team rules, ElevenWarriors.com reported Monday night.
“When I was getting ready for training camp, there was part of me saying we probably won’t have a back,” head coach Urban Meyer recently said of Smith. “Not a bad guy, just struggled academically, didn’t do much. He’s been a pleasure to coach. His demeanor, his work ethic. I really like where he’s at.”
Smith ranked fifth on the team with 24 carries for 101 yards and four touchdowns on the season. He posted season highs of 11 rushes for 61 yards and a touchdown in the Buckeyes’ 55-24 win over Cincinnati on Sept. 27.
Smith was also a significant contributor on special teams.
No. 13 Ohio State hosts Illinois on Saturday night (8 p.m. ET, ABC).