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Q&A with WR DeAngelo Smith
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Redshirt freshman DeAngelo Smith is among the wide receivers competing for playing time in next week's season-opener against Southern Miss.
Smith (6-0, 181) missed spring practice after breaking a bone in his right foot in February in a non-football accident.
Head coach Steve Spurrier has praised Smith and fellow redshirt freshman wideouts Lamar Scruggs and DeMario Bennett for their efforts in scrimmages during fall practice. Smith caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Andrew Clifford during the Aug. 14 scrimmage.
Smith is from Kingsland, Ga., and worked with the scout team last year while being redshirted.
Are you one of the "top six" receivers that Steve Spurrier Jr. talks about?
It's up to him. Whenever he makes the gameplan, if my number is called I'll be ready to go.
Has he said anything about playing time?
He hasn't told me. He just told me to think smart and play fast, so that's what I'm trying to do.
Talk about your injury and how you're doing this summer.
I missed spring with a broken foot, doing stupid stuff. Right now it's holding up good. Hopefully it will continue to not have problems.
What was it like to not be able to practice in the spring?
It was really frustrating. I just wanted to get back out here as quickly as I can to help the team.
Talk about your development as a receiver.
It's going good. I'm still learning the X behind Alshon [Jeffery].
Is there one guy you've tried to learn from the most?
Alshon and Jason Barnes, since they've played that position the most. ... Gametime, they just made plays. They run their routes perfect. They're where the ball is at all the time.
Where have you made the biggest progress?
Reading coverages was the biggest thing. That's my main focus, is to read the coverages.
What are the biggest changes for you since last year?
I played slot last year. Now I'm right behind Alshon, so it's basically a learning thing.
At this point, are players getting excited to play a real game?
We're just ready to play against other players, other teams, and be competitive at the same time.
On whether the rotation at quarterback has affected anything.
I think everybody's on pace right now. We've been working with each other over the summer. Everybody should be good.
Do you have any individual goals for this season?
The team set some goals: to win the SEC championship. That's what we're going for right now, to be the best team we can.
-- Compiled by Dwayne McLemore
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