Vols wide receiver Josh Smith, before an ankle injury sidelined him for the final ten games of the year, was in line for a breakout season in 2014.
In just three games, Smith caught ten passes for 135 yards and a touchdown. Those numbers nearly eclipsed his 11 game total from his freshman season (12 catches for 182 yards and a touchdown).
Unfortunately for the Vols, Smith injured his ankle in mid-September and eventually needed surgery.
Smith, however, did receive a medical redshirt for the 2014 season, giving him an extra year of eligibility in Knoxville.
The return of Smith will be absolutely huge for the Volunteers in 2015.
During the 2013 season, we repeatedly heard about Smith’s great hands in practice. But during games, the Tennessee native struggled with drops.
Those issues seemed to be remedied during the off-season, because Smith was one of the Vols’ most sure-handed wide receivers over the first three games of the 2014 season.
If Smith stays healthy this season, he could be one of Tennessee’s most important players on offense.