Michael Smith has path towards production as freshman tight end

Season openers, whether warranted or not, are muses for overreactions and hot takes alike, especially when South Carolina play an opponent from a Group of Five conference to kick off the year.

As of Monday afternoon, the Gamecocks sit at 21-point favorites at home against Old Dominion, an indication that expectations may be through the roof (even if temporarily) for this team. The two-deep may give way to a three or four-deep by the end of the fourth quarter. Specifically at the tight end position, a freshman could make waves.

Michael Smith , the four-star (per On3 rankings) tight end from Savannah, GA, is currently listed as a backup at tight end. But he’s shined so far in practices and scrimmages throughout the preseason, with an attention to detail and a superior work ethic.

“You’ve got a young, talented player like Michael Smith, we’re trying to figure out exactly how much he can handle, what his best role is going forward,” offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said. “9:45 the other night, I’m sitting in (Mike) Shula’s office with (Marquel) Blackwell. … We hear chatter down the hall, and I’m like, ‘Who is that? It’s 9:45.’ And it was one of those nights the players got out a little bit earlier. I walked down to the tight end room and Mike Smith was sitting in there with Dante Reno and he’s in there watching tape, watching all his reps.”

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After the departure of Trey Knox to the NFL, a void opened up in the tight end room. Returning Joshua Simon and Ball State transfer Brady Hunt figure to help fill in those spots, but there’s ample opportunity for Smith this season.

Over the past two seasons, the tight end position has been adept at filling holes that needed to be filled, but has also had troubles getting into the end zone, despite Spencer Rattler’s passing prowess. In the 2021 season, Shane Beamer’s first at the helm, Jaheim Bell caught five receiving touchdowns at tight end. However, in 2022 and 2023 both, the entire tight end room combined for four receiving touchdowns each year.

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With a trio like Simon, Hunt and Smith, there is potential to fly past that mark for touchdowns this year, especially with attrition in the wide receiver room.

Smith’s performances didn’t just garner praise from his coordinator, but have also caught the eyes of his fellow tight ends.

“Mike is a tremendous player, he makes plays all over the field, and being a true freshman, he’s just got so much potential to be great,” Simon said.

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There’s plenty of players to feed in the talented South Carolina offense, but if preseason practices are any indication of how game-day action will unfold, Smith will get the chance, along with the other tight ends, to perform with the ball in his hands this upcoming season.

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