For Austin Smith, it's all about the team

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kamoshika

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To emphasize his selfless approach, Smith revealed an acronym the Vols have been using. “We have a thing called FAMILY – forget about me, I love you,” Smith said. “If the team needs me to play safety, defensive tackle, I really don’t care. I am just doing it for the team. Last year, I sat out and I really just missed the team. I would do anything for these boys. I love them a whole lot.”

Although Smith has returned to the same position and nearly the same weight as when he first arrived at UT, he isn’t the same player. “Humble, just really humble. Hungry, really hungry. More mature. Taking everything slow and just comprehending it to tell you the truth,” Smith said. “I felt like freshman year everything was so fast, just adjusting to college life and everything. But now everything has slowed down.”

http://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2017/04/17/s-all-team-tennessee-linebacker-austin-smith/100509236/
 
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#2
#2
When Cam stayed last year he talked about playing a game he loved with people he loved, this "FAMILY" idea sounds fine.

It's time to rep the east in the SECCG.
 
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#3
#3
I know I am usually high on the preseason W column, but I'm usually pretty aware about what's happening with this team. I'm telling you, I think we have a better team this year. A whole group of head down Tennessee players who have been in the system long enough to get it and WANT to play some ball.
 
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#4
#4
I know I am usually high on the preseason W column, but I'm usually pretty aware about what's happening with this team. I'm telling you, I think we have a better team this year. A whole group of head down Tennessee players who have been in the system long enough to get it and WANT to play some ball.

Our Oline should be better. If QB play is there, our offense may be pretty good.

My main concern on Defense is at LB. Can't afford any injuries there. DL could get thin as well.
 
#8
#8
I know I am usually high on the preseason W column, but I'm usually pretty aware about what's happening with this team. I'm telling you, I think we have a better team this year. A whole group of head down Tennessee players who have been in the system long enough to get it and WANT to play some ball.

I totally agree. This team is hungry. This team has less bull****. This team is all of Butch's guys finally. I have gone back and forth and to me I really think 10-2 is where we end up.
 
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#11
#11
Our Oline should be better. If QB play is there, our offense may be pretty good.

My main concern on Defense is at LB. Can't afford any injuries there. DL could get thin as well.

I am not worried about the LBs. We will have very good play at that position this Fall.
 
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#15
#15
I bet his decision will cost him 1-2M on his 1st contract

This class is loaded at his position unfortunately. He showed incredibly well but it does appear the round mid round 2 floor is now end of round 3 for Cam.

The difference between pick 5 and 12 is over 10 million, just an insane number to consider as a guy like Barnett could go anywhere in that range or fall even further.
 
#16
#16
This class is loaded at his position unfortunately. He showed incredibly well but it does appear the round mid round 2 floor is now end of round 3 for Cam.

The difference between pick 5 and 12 is over 10 million, just an insane number to consider as a guy like Barnett could go anywhere in that range or fall even further.

Well, how much is "enough"?
 
#20
#20
What are you basing this on? He hasn't even started a game....

He's super talented.

Just remember that Malik Hooker and Marshon Lattimore were first year starters last year as redshirt sophomores with very little playing experience. This year they are likely to be high first round picks.

Just cause you don't make an impact early in your career doesn't mean you be highly drafted later on.

Austin Smith has first/second round talent.
 
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#21
#21
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What are you basing this on? He hasn't even started a game....

Certainly a wild projection on my part, his talent is pretty evident, he's got the "twitch" scouts love and he's been coached by as good a HS coach as there is in the country so I assume he knows the game, but some guys can't take the hits at this level and wear down, I just believe he's one of a few incredibly talented players on this defense.
 
#23
#23
For fans and team mates to encourage players to return for another year when they are ready for the NFL is selfish. Many years ago I was one of those fans.

Players need to do what's best for their family and themselves. They are the ones that have to live with that life changing decision. There is too much risk of injury in football to give up millions if you're a decent draft pick. Seems a player is carried off the field every second or third play.

Most players with NFL talent can learn the position and be ready in three years. The only exception in my mind is QB. It seems most QB can never get enough experience before moving to the NFL.

On the other had if a player is on the the field he should go all out. I hate seeing players try and save themselves for the NFL. Doing this is cheating you team mates.

Just my thought on the issue.
 
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#24
#24
I'll go ahead and get my prediction on record. 9-3 with a win over UF. Depending on how the SEC East standings shake out, that will put us either at 10-4 or 10-3. I don't think we win the SEC title.
 
#25
#25
I have appreciated Austin Smith since the first time I saw him play for UT. Look forward to a productive season for this talented & dedicated VFL. :good!:
 
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