Vols Hoping To Have WR Josh Smith For Alabama Game

When Vols sophomore wide receiver Josh Smith suffered a high ankle sprain against Oklahoma on September 13, there was cautious optimism among Vol fans that he would be ready for Tennessee’s game against Georgia two weeks later.

That wasn’t the case.

It also wasn’t the case three weeks later when Tennessee played Florida.

Or four weeks later against Chattanooga.

And it won’t happen this Saturday either, against Ole Miss.

But there is, however, hope that he’ll be ready when Alabama visits Neyland Stadium on October 25.

High ankle sprains are no joke — especially for a wide receiver.

Tennessee has definitely missed Smith over the last four weeks.

The Knoxville native, in just three games, has already come close to his numbers from his freshman season.

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Smith caught 12 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown in 2013. He has 10 catches for 135 yards a touchdown this year.

There’s no doubt that Smith struggled with drops as a freshman last season. Yet the Vols coaching staff continued to praise his great hands in practice and his reliability as a wide receiver.

This season you’re seeing Smith’s work on the practice field translate to success on gameday. He’s become one of the team’s most sure-handed receivers and a true safety valve for quarterback Justin Worley.

Tennessee’s offense will get a big boost when Smith returns to the lineup. And it might be at just the right time.

Alabama is looking beatable these days and Josh Smith might be just what the Vols need to get over the hump.