TAT: Smith Has Confidence in Razorbacks

This article originally appeared in the September 5, 2012 sports section of The Arkansas Traveler. If you want to read about my personal experience with this press conference, I recommend reading my post titled "My First Press Conference - John L. Smith."

     Following a 49-24 victory over Jacksonville St. on Saturday, head coach John L. Smith is pleased with his team but still sees areas that could be improved.

     “After reviewing film, there were a lot of good things and a lot of things we need to improve on,” Smith said. “We’re going to build on the positives and correct the negatives.”

     The offense performed well, and that team leadership and maturity helped them get back on track after the three lost fumbles, he said.

     “There was no sense of panic at all,” Smith said. “Everyone was very confident about what we had to do.”

     Senior Brandon Mitchell helped the offense by catching four passes for 122 yards in his first game as a wide receiver.

     “We’ve seen that day in, day out at practice this fall, so it’s not a surprise to us,” Smith said. “It was a good outing for a guy’s first time out of the block as a wide-out.”

     Part of Mitchell’s and the other wide receivers’ success can be credited to senior quarterback Tyler Wilson, who made some “tremendous throws,” Smith said.

     At running back, senior Dennis Johnson “ran hard,” Smith said, and junior Knile Davis returned to the field after missing the 2011 season due to injury, rushing for 70 yards on 18 carries.

     “I feel good. I’m a little sore, but that’s to be expected,” Davis said. “My speed, cuts, and vision were there.”

     Smith said that the offensive line played well, but still needs improvement. He expects senior Jason Peacock back this week and added to the mix.

     He also said senior wide receiver Cobi Hamilton, who was injured during Saturday’s game, will be back in practice on Monday.

     The defense has areas to improve, as well. Smith thought the Hogs played the run well, but their secondary and tackling need a little work.

     “We need to tighten some things up in the secondary, which we’ll work on,” Smith said. “We have some tackling circuits we’re going to put in and try to improve on that. (Tackling) was not near as good as it should be.”

     Smith was particularly happy with the second half because the Gamecocks didn’t score any touchdowns.

     At linebacker, Smith said seniors Tenarius Wright and Alonzo Highsmith were “rusty” and that it was “good for them to get some work in.”

     Senior cornerback Darius Winston struggled against Jacksonville State before being replaced by senior Kaelon Kelleybrew.

     “Kelleybrew came in and did a decent job,” Smith said. “Darius has to step up now and go earn that spot back.”

     Smith was also pleased by junior defensive end Chris Smith’s play, which earned him SEC co-Defensive Lineman of the Week honors.

     He said senior safety Ross Rasner played “one of his better games,” as well.

     This Saturday, the Hogs take on the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

     “We’re looking forward to going to Little Rock. (The players) are excited about it,” Smith said. “The fans there are as good as it gets. It’s a great atmosphere.”

     As for Louisiana-Monroe, Smith expects them to spread the field and throw the ball more than Jacksonville State.

     “There are going to be adjustments made on the sideline and some in halftime,” Smith said. “That’s what you have to do in the first few games.”