Everything Aggies WR Ainias Smith had to say during the first day of spring football practice
Spring football for the Texas A&M Aggies is finally here folks, and on Monday, we all received a small glimpse into how the 2023 roster might shake out after the 15 mandated practices are completed ahead of the April 15 Maroon and White Spring Game.
As fellow Aggies Wire writer Pete Hernandez mentioned in a separate article, Texas A&M is slated to bring back 19 out of 22 players who started in last year’s season finale victory against the then 5th-ranked LSU Tigers, while witnessing the ascendance of quarterback Conner Weigman, who will be entering his sophomore season as the presumed starting signal caller.
The biggest storyline going into spring has to be the offenses transition under newly minted offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino and just how much control Fisher is willing to give up in a season that is essentially “make or break” for his long-term future with the program, while Petrino might be entering the final chapter of his coaching career if things don’t go as planned.
This afternoon, Ainias Smith sat down with the local Aggie media to discuss his return this season, while looking toward the spring game. Here is everything he had to say, word for word. Enjoy!
Ainias Smith's opening statement
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
To be honest, there was a lot that went into the decision. I would probably be sitting here for two hours talking about everything that went into it.”
Smith says that coming back to A&M for 2023 was the best decision for him and his family.
Ainias Smith on the state of his recovery process after his season ending leg injury last season
Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports
“I’ve been grinding, trying to get back right… It has been a journey.”
Smith will have no restrictions on him during spring practice.
Ainias Smith on the process of returning Texas A&M
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“Everything played out for the best. We’re just going to get better from here.”
Ainias Smith on the players needing to develop a role and "step up" this season
(AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
“Everybody is going to have to take some type of role, whether it’s a leadership role or whatever it is. Everybody is going to have to play their part on this team, and everybody is going to have to step up, young or old.”
Ainias Smith on fellow Aggies wide out Moose Muhammad III
Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“I know he’s going to do real big things. We just got to get better from here.”
Smith says that Muhammad’s leadership and work ethic have impressive him.
Ainias Smith on the the 2023 recruiting class
(AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
“With all the new guys coming in, we’re accepting them, and they’re accepting us. Things are going good so far.”
Ainias Smith on new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino
Missouri State Bears head coach Bobby Petrino during the bears win on the Western Illinois Leathernecks at Plaster Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.
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“You can definitely tell he’s eager, excited and ready to go. I’m ready.”
Ainias Smith on Quarterback Conner Weigman
Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“He definitely took that leadership role. The quarterback role is definitely not easy, especially for a freshman. The way he attacked the whole situation was impressive to me. The poise that he had. He seemed real relaxed but really upbeat.”
Ainias Smith on how the offense will improve, starting with practice
(Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)
“Offensively, we had a lot of extra opportunities (last season) that we didn’t necessarily capitalize on. This year, starting today, we’re going to make it important and necessary to set a different standard.”
Smith says that A&M’s practice habits will be better in 2023.
Ainias Smith on the return of safety Demani Richardson for 2023
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“I’m glad we’re back. I’m glad I have somebody in the same class as me. We’re going to go up from here.”
Ainias Smith emphasizing the importance of developing in practice
(Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images)
“There is no gap or space for error. I feel like it all starts in practice.”
“If we want to get to that place, we’re going to have to take those necessary steps, and I feel like that’s what it’s all going to be built around.”
Ainias Smith on his leadership style
Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“I’m not a real big talker. I do it when it’s necessary. I like to show. I’m real big on action.”
“I’m serious, and I’m trying to go get it. That’s where it all starts: Being able to show the guys… Hopefully everybody else follows.”
Ainias Smith on the reason the 2020 Texas A&M team was so successful
Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
“Accountability. The older guys were holding themselves accountable to where the younger guys had to hold themselves to a different standard or they’d get left behind.”
Ainias Smith states that NIL did not play a role in his return to Texas A&M this season
Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
“I don’t really care for the money, for real. I’m just trying to ball.”
