Michael Smith demonstrates growth, becomes greater contributor on South Carolina's offense as freshman
Michael Smith had been a highly-touted tight end prospect before committing to South Carolina.
The On3 Industry Ranking listed Smith as the No. 9 tight end in the country, as well as the No. 138 player overall in the class of 2024. Shortly after early National Signing Day in 2023, Shane Beamer said he considered Smith and fellow Savannah, Georgia, native David Bucey as “two guys that not enough people are talking about.”
“He’s another one that, we were in his home a week or two ago, and (he) had multiple SEC schools that were constantly calling, trying to get into the house and come see him. And he wouldn’t let them,” Beamer said. “He could play defensive end and rush the passer. But he’s a really, really talented tight end – just a big body with athleticism that will continue to grow.”
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And continue to grow he has. In just two games, Smith has become one of South Carolina’s most valuable contributors on offense, especially in the passing game.
Before taking the field in a regular season game, though, Smith took part in the Gamecocks’ preseason workouts. At that point of the offseason, he already stood at 6-foot-6 and weighed 255 pounds. Even with his large frame, Smith was forced to adjust quickly to playing at an SEC level.
“That was difficult. It was way different than high school, but once we got in pads, it was just like, ‘I know what I’m doing. I know my abilities, so I’m going to show that.”
Smith would eventually make his debut in South Carolina’s season opener against Old Dominion, logging four receiving yards on two receptions. His greatest contribution to the Gamecocks’ stat sheet came one week later against Kentucky, where caught three passes for 44 yards, making him the team’s third-leading receiver in the contest.
But Smith’s best game wearing garnet and black helped him identify a part of his game he needed to improve upon.
“I’m going to be honest, I was a little nervous,” Smith said. “Being involved – it kind of let me settle down a little bit. But blocking-wise, I got to pick that up a little bit – like, more aggressive.”
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Smith said blocking South Carolina’s talented team of edge rushers – namely, Dylan Stewart, Kyle Kennard and Gilber Edmond – have helped him develop into a better blocker. He added that Edmond gives him biggest the challenge, but when it comes to blocking Stewart, “you got to pray with him, sometimes.”
“The challenging part is I’m going against Dylan Stewart and Kyle and Gil every day,” Smith said. “But in games, it’s just, ‘Hey, you did it in practice. Just show it now.'”
Smith has also found a mentor in Joshua Simon, the most experienced veteran on the team’s roster. Smith said he tries learning from Simon as much as possible each day.
“I’m the youngest in the tight end room, and he’s the oldest, so I’m listening to him,” Smith said. “He just guides me, and I just listen because he knows more than I do.”
Smith knows that South Carolina’s will continue to get harder from this point onward. But he said he is more than ready for the challenge.
“That’s basically what I work for. It’s been exciting. I’m really excited, I stay excited. It keeps me going,” Smith said. “Knowing that not many people get this chance, I keep a high energy because I work for it. So, I’m trying to keep it that way.”
