Vols Football: Zach Azzanni Praises Josh Smith
By Zach Ragan
Vols wide receiver Josh Smith only has 19 catches this season, but he has proved to be one of Josh Dobbs’ go-to wide receivers when a big play is needed.
Remember Tennessee’s win against Georgia in October? Josh Smith’s touchdown catch on fourth and nine late in the second quarter with the Vols down by 21 was a turning point in that game.
Dobbs’ throw to Smith was off-target, but Smith adjusted in the air, made the catch and scampered into the end-zone to cut Georgia’s lead to 14.
More from Vols Football
- How to Win a GUARANTEED $200 Bonus Betting Just $5 on the Vols vs. Florida!
- Tennessee Football at Florida: Five Keys to a Vols Victory
- Week 3 SEC Power Rankings: Did Tennessee Football’s Win Help At All?
- Week 3 AP Polls: Why Did Tennessee Football Drop in the Polls?
- Tennessee Football: Top Five Performers in 30-13 Win vs. Austin Peay
If Smith doesn’t make that catch, the Vols have to settle for a field goal and who knows what happens from there.
Vols wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni took time on Tuesday after practice to offer praise for Smith, something he’s continually done since Smith arrived in Knoxville.
"Azzanni: I’ve said this since he’s been a freshman, he’s one of the toughest kids I’ve ever coached. He’s all beat up too. He’s an absolute warrior; he’s my kind of guy and I love the guy. Whatever he has, he’ll tape it up, duct tape it, get out there and play."
Smith isn’t going to set records at Tennessee and it’s way too early to tell if he’ll have a future in football beyond Tennessee. But there’s no doubt, especially given the Vols’ injuries at the wide receiver position, that he’s one of the most important players on Tennessee’s roster.
And fortunately for the Vols, they get him for two more seasons.