In Georgia Tech’s season opener, running back Dontae Smith had one touch, a pitch on a fourth-and-1 that he ran in for a 15-yard touchdown run. A week later against Kennesaw State, after the Owls had scored consecutive fourth-quarter touchdowns to reduce Tech’s lead to 38-17, the Yellow Jackets turned to Smith, who supplied all the production on a four-play, 42-yard touchdown drive. He had four carries for all 42 yards to help settle the game.
Playing behind running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and Jordan Mason, Smith has made a habit of making good on his handful of chances.
“One thing that (running backs coach Tashard Choice) preaches a lot is that everything that you want one day is going to be in front of you, so you’ve just got to be prepared,” Smith said. “That’ something that always stuck with me. So I just feel like when that happens, I just do what I’m taught, and it’s just football.”
Against Kennesaw State on Saturday, Smith led the team with a career-high 82 rushing yards on eight carries. For his work on special teams – he is a gunner on punt team, among other roles – he also was named the team’s special-teams player of the week.
“Really proud of Dontae,” coach Geoff Collins said.
Special teams also is a means for Smith to stay ready for his occasional snaps on offense. By playing on the kickoff, punt and kickoff-return teams, he is able to stay warmed up.
“I actually enjoy running down there (on special teams),” Smith said. “Like punt (team), I love doing.”
He also gets a feel for the game by talking with Gibbs and Mason and pays attention from the sideline.
“I take it all in, and it helps me,” Smith said.
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