Today, Terp football coach Ralph Friedgen made a mention of new special teams coordinator Charles Bankins’ prowess at leading effective kick-off return units. Earlier in the spring, Friedgen said wide receiver Torrey Smith, who established a new ACC record for kick return yards last season, is again slated to handle return duties this year.
It would seem like a no-brainer to let the proven guy continue to grow into the position, but it’s not that easy of a decision when considering Smith will be asked to take a bigger role in the receiving game this year with the loss of the Terps’ top three receiving targets.
For his part, Smith, who took over as a starter mid-way through last season, doesn’t think it will be a problem. He pointed to the Boston College game last season when he stepped in as the No. 1 receiver for an injured Darrius Heyward-Bey and grabbed eight passes for 115 yards and a touchdown.
“My body felt it at the end of the game,” Smith acknowledged. “But we have a bunch of capable guys, so if I need a breather or two someone will step right in and play as well as me and better.”
Smith might need a few breathers if the season goes well. He said Bankins goal for him is to be the NCAA leader in all-purpose yards. That’s a lofty goal, but Smith is optimistic he can build off last season’s success.
“I’ve never had a record before, so that’s pretty cool, especially with all the elite players that have been through our conference,” Smith said. “But that was last year, and I’ve got to do a better job this year and beat it.”
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Tags: Charles Bankins, Ralph Friedgen, Terp football, Torrey Smith