Ainias Smith provides update on injury recovery during spring practice

Texas A&M has just commenced this year’s spring ball practices at their home stadium of Kyle Field. And one of the players Aggies fans are excited to see back on the field for next season is wide receiver, Ainias Smith. Smith was lost just four games into last season after suffering a leg injury against Arkansas.

So how does the now-senior receiver feel after the injury, and what does his recovery process look like? Well, during the player’s media availability on the opening day of spring ball practice, Smith provided an update on his injury recovery process.

“It’s been going well, man,” said Smith. “Appreciate the question. I’ve definitely been grinding, trying to get back right. Trying to get my explosiveness back. It’s definitely been a journey, and it’s really just been fun- just trying to get back right. But I feel good.

“Not for real. I probably just won’t get hit for real,” said Smith when asked about his restrictions for the spring.

Smith was a reliable sure-hands target regardless of who was under center for the Aggies. However, he started out his career as a hybrid, also taking snaps out of the backfield as a running back the Missouri City, TX, native currently has a streak of 27 consecutive games with at least one catch. That streak dates back to Texas A&M’s 2019 matchup against the LSU Tigers. After playing in just four games due to the injury, Smith’s stat line was not as filled out as in seasons past. He finished the 2022 campaign with 15 receptions for 291 yards and two touchdowns.

Although he is not back on the field 100 percent, the Aggies are glad and excited to have his leadership and presence back for one more year. Smith was on a handful of watch lists to start the 2022 season and had he had a productive year would have likely been off to the NFL. But given the series of unfortunate events, he remains in College Station with the opportunity of helping Texas A&M bounce back from their abysmal campaign last season.

The Aggies failed to qualify for bowl season and ended the year 5-7 after starting the year ranked in the top 10 of the AP preseason top 25. This season, it’s unclear who the Aggies quarterback is, yet again. Still, expect Smith to pick up where he left off — being a go-to playmaker in 2023.