BJ Smith is Healthy and Ready for Role in New Offense

After logging the second most carries by a Troy running back in this decade last year, BJ Smith is healthy and ready to work heading into his last spring practice at Troy.

Smith is the third different running back in the last four years at Troy to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards after posting 1,186 yards on the ground in 2018.

Attrition took its toll as the season drudged on and Smith’s numbers dipped to 3.8 yards per carry over the last three regular season games.

After the break and well into workouts, though, the senior is a new body and ready to hit the field.

“I feel really good, just taking advantage of not necessarily being out there banging,” Smith said. “Taking (strength and conditioning) coach (SaJason) Finley’s new program and running with it.

“I feel like we’re pretty healthy right now and we can’t wait to get back out on the field and put the pads on.”

Smith says the workouts have been focused on flexibility and improving the speed and quickness of the players. According to Smith, Finley reminds the team every day that they’ll be “Stronger than we’ve ever been and faster than we’ve ever been.”

Smith is joined in the backfield by junior Jabir Daughtry-Frye, who was second on the team in rushing last year with 371 yards. The two could once again be a dynamic thunder-and-lightning combo in 2019, but with an added wrinkle.

According to Smith, Lindsey plans to utilize the running backs in the pass game a lot more often.

“That’s something I think is a positive and we’re amped up about it,” Smith said. “We’ve been on the jug machines and in the playbook so we can be in the right place at the right time.”

Last season, the running back group accounted for 34 receptions with Frye being the primary benefactor. Frye caught 22 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown.

Coming out of the backfield, Frye averaged over 10 yards per reception. That stat tacked on to his electric seven yards per carry last season could mean a big role boost for Frye.

The same goes for Smith, who had over 100 receiving yards himself last year. Forcing linebackers to worry about pass coverage equates to more holes in between tackles, which is great news for Smith.

Before Smith can get his on the football, though, he’s got to get his head around the playbook. That’s been a primary focus during workouts, according to Smith.

“We’re in a new system and you got to learn it,” Smith said. “I feel like most of the game of football is played from the head up so that’s really the biggest thing I have to learn. If I know more than my job then that will be better, because I’ll know what the quarterback should be looking at.”

Even though the players have yet to hit the field for spring practice, some newcomers have already stood out to Smith, as far as physical preparedness.

Smith pointed to incoming JUCO wide receiver products Khalil McClain and Reggie Todd as players that could help the team. He also mentioned true freshman linebacker Ahderrious Gee, who Smith will undoubtedly get to know a little bit better in spring ball.

The energy in the weight room is high with practice just around the corner and Smith says the culture is strong.

“We’re just trying to continue being a tough, physical team and doing the right things, little things daily. That will carry over from life to the classroom to football.”

Spring practice starts on March 19 for Troy with the annual T-Day coming on April 20 at Veterans Memorial Stadium.