Kentucky Lands Troy Grad Transfer QB Sawyer Smith
By Michael Luciano
Terry Wilson just got a serious challenger in the Kentucky quarterback room.
The Wildcats added graduate transfer Sawyer Smith, who started last season under Neal Brown at Troy.
Kentucky lands Troy QB grad transfer Sawyer Smith https://t.co/IdW45il2jZ #BBN pic.twitter.com/ZCqrud7nXY
— TheCatsPause247 (@TheCatsPause247) May 13, 2019
Smith threw for 1,669 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions while winning ten games for Brown, who took the West Virginia head coaching job. His most impressive games came in a road win over Nebraska and dominating Tyree Jackson and Buffalo in the Dollar General Bowl.
While Wilson is likely still QB1, and should be after such an excellent season under Mark Stoops in 2018, Smith is a veteran option who has won games against Power 5 teams in the past, which will be invaluable in case the stringy Wilson goes down with injury.
As HEARD ?on @BowlFullofChips #CFB PODCAST ?️
— Chappy the #CollegeFootball Writer (@Champion_Lit) May 8, 2019
Chappy's #SunBelt OFF PLAYER OFF the RADAR in 2018 (last year): QB Sawyer Smith @TroyTrojansFB
- 62.6% comp, 14-6 TD-INT, 1669 pass yds
- 6-2 as a regular starter; Ls @ Liberty and @ App St
- 71%, 320 yds, 4 TDs in bowl game pic.twitter.com/hBm1xdePWt
Smith is an accurate passer who excels at throwing short passes in rhythm, which is the backbone of the Kentucky passing game. It's hard to imagine a more seamless fit in their offense.