Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Josh Smith was on his way to having a breakout second season at Tennessee when he suffered an ankle injury that would sideline him for the rest of the 2014 season.
So it’s understandable if Vol fans have a bit of apprehension when it comes to how effective Smith will be in 2015.
Well fret not, Vol fans. It looks like Smith is picking up exactly where he left off. At least that’s how it appears, judging by Butch Jones’ comments after practice on Tuesday afternoon.
"Jones: “I thought Josh Smith had his best practice that he has had all year, catching the football, route running, so that was great to see…….He came out and he attacked things. Obviously, he is in better football condition, I think that is a byproduct of overtime, of practice. He played with confidence, caught the football and he was able to advance the football, just played aggressively. Played like he played at the beginning of last season. So that was great to see.”"
Smith, who caught ten passes for 135 yards and a touchdown in three games last season, is incredibly important to Tennessee’s success in 2015.
The Knoxville native struggled with drops during his freshman season, but proved to be one of the Vols’ most sure-handed wide receivers early last season.
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Smith, who told the media on Tuesday that he was feeling like his “old self”, doesn’t have the size/strength combination of a Marquez North, or the elusiveness of a Von Pearson, but he’s undoubtedly just as important as those two players.
When the Vols are facing third-and-seven next season and the defense manages to contain quarterback Josh Dobbs, it’ll be Smith that bails out Tennessee. He’s that type of player. He has tremendous field awareness and he plays the game in a very smart way.
It would be easy to label Smith as a “possession receiver” and that will probably be what he’s ultimately known for at Tennessee. But the kid has some wheels. He showed that last season against Oklahoma and Utah State.
Smith also has underrated athleticism, as he displayed against Arkansas State.
Getting Smith back in 2015 will be a huge boost for Dobbs and the rest of the Vols’ offense.
It’s kind of scary to think about all the weapons Tennessee will have next season.
Unless, of course, you’re a Vol fan.