UGA Football Coach Kirby Smart Talks About Arian Smith
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ATHENS - Where’s Waldo? Where’s the Beef?
Where’s Arian Smith?
What happened to the speedy track star who just hasn’t reached his full potential? What happened to the big, game-changing plays he’s made in the past?
This is year four for Arian Smith, and unfortunately, the explosive runner still hasn’t turned into what many thought he could be as a playmaking receiver.
Sure, he’s had some big moments as a Georgia Bulldog, with his biggest coming against Ohio State where he flew down the field for a 76-yard touchdown. He also hauled in a giant 52-yard pass against then No.1 Tennessee early in that ball-game.
The ‘Dawgs brought in two talented receivers in Rara Thomas and Dominic Lovett from the transfer portal, but Smith’s speed is truly game-changing.
We just haven’t seen it this year. He hasn’t increased his route-tree, still being used primarily as a deep target down the field.
But those passes aren’t getting caught.
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It’s now or never for Arian Smith. The ‘Dawgs need to be at their best offensively over the next several weeks, and Smith getting involved down the field would give the Bulldog offense more explosiveness.
The Gators have given up several explosive plays in the passing game this season, so this weekend’s game could give Smith some opportunities to do what he does best.
Run behind defenders. He’s a game-changing talent, and the Bulldogs need him to step up.
A Florida native, Smith has only caught four passes this season for 67 yards and one touchdown. His numbers aren’t impressive, but head coach Kirby Smart said this week that Smith’s impact can be seen on a consistent basis.
"You know Arian probably had more opportunities earlier in the year as we were down on wide outs for a couple of games. We had a guy in, a guy out, a guy injured. Ladd's been injured. He's played a lot of the same spots as Ladd, and for whatever reason, he probably hasn't had as many opportunities lately. He's had some opportunities where he didn't capitalize on it, and he'd be the first to tell you that. I'm really proud of him and the role he's played on our team in terms of leadership. He's taken ownership in some special teams units. He's been elite at gunner, and he's part of the reason that we have not given up many return yards. He's been a big, major factor in that. He's worked really hard after practice on developing as a wide out."
Special teams are great. That’s important. It takes guys who love to compete and love football to thrive consistently on special teams.
But Arian Smith needs to catch passes. Every talent matters, and when you have a guy who can run like Arian Smith, he needs to make it happen on the field.
Smith’s been around so long he was making big plays against Cincinnati. That feels like forever ago. He needs to have a ballgame sooner than later, and against a Gator defense that can give up big plays through the air, this could be the perfect time for Smith to make a big play.