7. WR Josh Smith
Why: The sophomore was emerging as one of Tennessee’s most consistent threats in the pass game early in the season before an ankle injury derailed his season. He rehabbed with the hope of returning, but the injury lingered and he underwent a procedure late in the season that ended his year.
Future Outlook: It’s bright to say the least for Smith. He has to stay healthy, get stronger and continue to develop, but he has the speed, route-running capabilities and the competitiveness to be a potential All-SEC player and maybe even a professional player in a few years. His action has been limited, but in 14 career games, he’s averaged 14.4 yards per reception with two catches for 40 or more yards. He can be a possession receiver who makes short catches to move the chains, or he can be a threat deep as well. Tennessee’s receiving group is fairly loaded next year, but expect Smith to be in the mix to start, or at least to get a ton of playing time, in 2015 and beyond.
