Josh Smith had a rough first season at Tennessee. As a freshman, Smith recorded just 182 yards and one touchdown on 12 catches, while struggling with dropped passes.

Smith also needed to fight through injuries in 2013, which derailed his production. But entering this season, Smith looked to have an improved sophomore campaign. During training camp, the Knoxville native was vocal about the improvements needed to be made in year two.

“I think it gave me experience; now I know what to expect,” Smith told GoVols247. “But that’s no excuse. There are no excuses. If you come here as a true freshman and don’t expect to play, I don’t know what you’re doing. I wanted to play. I expected to play, and I was fighting to play. But I just didn’t execute last season like I wanted to. But it’s behind me, and it’s a whole new year.

“Last season … I mean … how does that not motivate you, really? But last season is behind me. I just had to fight through it. We didn’t have a lot of depth. Just had to do it.”

Smith’s work ethic gained the attention of his teammates. In particular, freshman Emmanuel Moseley praised the wide receiver’s progress through training camp.

“Josh Smith is doing really good,” freshman cornerback Emmanuel Moseley said. “He really trained hard in the spring. His last year, he didn’t have the season he wanted to, but he put his mind to it and is doing really great this year. He’s running a lot faster, and he’s a lot quicker and a lot stronger. He’s good.”

Smith has played well thus far as Tennessee’s No. 3 starting receiver. In two games, Smith has five catches for 77 yards. He also provided Vol fans with a huge highlight this weekend, leaping over Arkansas State defender Rocky Hayes for a first down in the Arkansas State red zone.

With an improved group of wide receivers, it would be easy for Smith to get lost in the shuffle. However, he has managed to keep a starting role as a slot receiver.

Smith was expected to be a sure-handed option this season alongside Marquez North and Von Pearson. But with Pearson’s injury, Smith will likely see more reps and targets this weekend.

Avoiding injuries will be the key to Smith’s continued progress. If he can stay healthy, he will continue to gain experience and provide Tennessee with solid pass catching abilities.