Jacques Smith, from Ooltewah High School, signs autographs for fans before last spring’s Orange and White game in Knoxville.
Staff File Photo by Angela Lewis/Chattanooga Times Free PressKNOXVILLE – Jacques Smith knows what part of his game needs the most focus and the most improvement.
And the rising sophomore defensive end at Tennessee also knows getting to the level he and the Volunteers want him to be simply is going to take some time.
“I just need to be more consistent. It’s all about consistency,” the former Ooltewah High School star said after making three tackles with a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry in Saturday’s scrimmage. “Your starters, they’re people you can depend on every single play that they’re going to have the right alignment, the right assignment and the right mindset for the ballgame. That’s just something I need to develop.”
Smith is still adjusting to becoming a full-time starter and an every-down player after being a key contributor off UT’s bench as a freshman last season. He showed that talent won’t be the issue, but continuing the progression is a process in itself.
“I think Jacques is doing a good job,” UT defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox said last week. “He did some real good things for us last year. We expect him to take the next step and be a guy that we can depend on every game. He is still a ways from being a well-rounded player, and that’s not a knock on him.”