Keidron Smith received prestigious award at Ole Miss

Ole Miss transfer Keidron Smith became the fifth transfer to join the Kentucky football program in the offseason. The super senior is bringing a skill set that could have an immediate impact for the Wildcats.

In four years playing for both Matt Luke and Lane Kiffin, Smith participated in 47 games with 22 starts playing both cornerback and safety. The multi-year starter will head to Lexington with 223 tackles, 21 pass breakups, seven non-sack tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, five interceptions, and one sack during his collegiate career.

The South Florida native and former low three-star recruit should be a starter for defensive coordinator Brad White when Kentucky comes out of the tunnel at Kroger Field on Labor Day weekend. His on-field production speaks for itself, but Kentucky seems to be adding a player with very high character.

Before his senior season at Ole Miss, the Rebels presented Keidron Smith with the Chucky Mullins Courage Award.

"It's a big honor to go down in history as a Chucky Mullins Award winner."@KeidronS | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/07xBtyYzmy

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) September 4, 2021

Thank You @OleMissFB so honored to be able to represent the Chucky Mullins Award this season. The Love for my teammates & this program runs deeply. I can’t wait to show out Monday night‼️

— Keidron Smith (@KeidronS) September 4, 2021

That award is presented yearly to an Ole Miss defensive upperclassman that embodies the spirit of Mullins — courage, leadership, perseverance, and determination. Mullins was paralyzed in a 1989 game against Vanderbilt and would pass away less than two years later.

Smith was the 31st recipient of this award and got very positive reviews from Kiffin throughout his playing career with the Rebels.

“Keidron has provided tremendous leadership and dedication for our program,” Kiffin said. “His willingness to embrace any role necessary to help the team is remarkable, and we are excited to recognize him with this distinguished honor.”

Last fall, Keidron Smith switched from cornerback to safety as the Rebels went to a permanent three safety structure under defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin. The veteran had to learn how to play a brand new position after three years in college and put together one of his most productive seasons.

Kentucky needs help in the secondary, and the Wildcats likely will give Smith the chance to switch back to his more natural position at cornerback. However, it’s clear that Kentucky is adding a mature player with a team-first mindset who was well respected within the Ole Miss football facility.