Despite adversity, Arian Smith continues to work, grow, and develop
It’s safe to say that the 2023 season hasn’t gone the way Georgia receiver Arian Smith had hoped for after an electric performance in the semifinal of the College Football Playoff against Ohio State.
Smith’s speed was on full display against the Buckeyes, and his 76-yard touchdown in the semifinal proved to be a difference-maker for the Bulldogs in the end.
While he wasn’t needed heavily in the championship game against TCU, there was little question that his 129 receiving yards the previous game had spurred Georgia to the top of the mountain once again.
Expectations were understandably high as the page turned anew.
To this point, however, Smith has been far quieter on the field than many thought, despite a chance for an expanded role.
“You know Arian probably had more opportunities earlier in the year as were down on wideouts for a couple of games. We had a guy in, a guy out, a guy injured. Ladd’s been injured. He’s played a lot of the same spots as Ladd, and for whatever reason, he probably hasn’t had as many opportunities lately,” Kirby Smart said of the junior wideout.
If there were to be a reason for Smith’s diminished role, it’s likely most would start by pointing to drops.
“He’s had some opportunities where he didn’t capitalize on it, and he’d be the first to tell you that,” Smart said.
While that can be frustrating for any pass catcher, Smith’s teammates have been quick to rally to his side and reassure him.
“I just told him, the whole receiving corps told him, nobody’s perfect. Everybody’s going to drop balls. Sometimes, you drop the easy ones, and you’ve just got to have a next-play mentality to not let it have a snowball effect,” fellow receiver Dominic Lovett said of Smith.
And Lovett has watched the work Smith has put in in the face of that adversity.
“He’s been tremendous, getting Jugs before and after practice with the coaches. He’s been asking them what he can do better on and off the field,” Lovett said. “He’s been getting Jugs, catching the ball in practice how he’s supposed to catch it, with his eyes and not just his hands.”
As Smith seeks to right the issues that have plagued his offensive role, he’s not been dismayed or dissuaded in the rest of his duties, something his head coach has taken notice of.
“I’m really proud of him and the role he’s played on our team in terms of leadership. He’s taken ownership in some special teams units. He’s been elite at gunner, and he’s part of the reason that we have not given up many return yards,” Smart said. “He’s been a big, major factor in that.”
Smart, too, has seen the work Lovett mentioned.
“He’s worked really hard after practice on developing as a wideout,” the Georgia head coach said.
Ultimately, the belief is still strong in Arian’s abilities and how he can help the team the rest of this season.
With Brock Bowers down for the time being, the passing game has to find other answers. Smith certainly has the talent to where he could be one of those.
“I feel like he’s getting back to himself. He’s going to be alright,” Lovett said.
Currently, Arian Smith has four receptions in the 2023 season for a total of 67 yards and a touchdown. He returns to his home state on Saturday for Georgia’s rivalry game against Florida. Kickoff time is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
