Ainias Smith on Bobby Petrino offense: ‘A lot of speed, a lot of touchdowns’

Texas A&M receiver Ainias Smith is looking forward to seeing what the Aggies offense looks like under Bobby Petrino. A&M hired Petrino this offseason after to replace Darrell Dickey after a 5-7 finish during which the offense struggled mightily.

A&M ranked 101st in the FBS this past season with 22.8 points per game and 93rd with 360.9 yards per game. However, changing things up with the addition of Petrino has many players, including Smith, believing they can turn things around.

“I’m definitely excited,” Smith said during spring practice. “A lot of tempo, a lot of speed and hopefully a lot of touchdowns.”

Petrino comes to A&M after spending the past three seasons as the head coach at Missouri State in the FCS. He also brings experience as a head coach at Louisville, Arkansas and even for one season in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons.

Petrino’s offensive prowess has been on display in his previous stops. He coached Lamar Jackson at Louisville and the pair led the Cardinals to finish No. 3 in total offense in both 2016 and 2017. At Arkansas, Petrino helped the Razorbacks to finish No. 1 in the SEC in scoring offensive in both 2009 and 2011 as well as No. 2 in 2010.

Ainias Smith knew a few details about Bobby Petrino’s career before the coach was hired at A&M, and even met him before when he recruited his brother in high school. But the two will become even more acquainted this year, and Smith’s first impression of his new coach so far is good.

“He was a pretty cool dude,” he said. “Real laid back when I met him for the first time. He gave me the same impression (coming to A&M). Pretty chill, laid back. But you can definitely tell he’s eager and excited and ready to go. So I’m ready.”

Smith is no doubt expected to be a key piece in Petrino’s offense this season. He decided to return to College Station for a fifth year after suffering a season-ending injury just four games into the 2022 season.

Before that, he led the Aggies with 564 yards receiving and six touchdowns in 2020 to go along with 293 yards rushing and four more scores. He followed that up with 47 catches for 509 yards and six touchdowns in 2021.

It’s expected that Petrino will take over play-calling duties from head coach Jimbo Fisher, though Fisher did not give a clear answer when asked in March. Either way, his addition plus Smith coming back healthy has to at least provide hope the offensive will improve in 2023.