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Asti: Graham Harrell Could Help to Ignite Reese Smith into Star Slot Receiver

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va – A new offensive coordinator could mean a new football life for wide receiver Reese Smith.

Smith, who has made most of his impact on special teams, opened up about how head coach Neal Brown made it clear to him what he needed to do to be more involved in the actual offense after last season. Brown then tipped Smith off that he was bringing in Graham Harrell. And Harrell’s arrival may be just what Smith needed to happen.

The 5’10 187 pound Smith envisions he can be a standout slot receiver, much like a Wes Welker type or even Ryan Switzer, someone he’s got to know while Switzer has been helping out during WVU football camp in Morgantown. Smith spoke on all of this with the media after Fan Day practice on Saturday.

It’s actually pretty realistic that Smith’s hope for himself could come true. Harrell runs an “Air Raid” style offense, which means he likes to pass a lot, especially in 4 receiver sets. Harrell’s system almost ensures Smith will have more of a chance at opportunities to be involved in packages. If he performs, there’s no reason Harrell doesn’t continue to go to him, especially since Harrell wants to find that spot guy to rely on who can move the chains. Smith’s elusiveness could even see him create big plays on his own by picking up yards after the catch.

Another positive sign for Smith is the fact he’s been building chemistry with assumed starting quarterback transfer JT Daniels. Smith explained the two have been throwing together every other day, often every single day, ever since Daniels stepped on campus in May.

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In keeping with Brown’s theme of the off-season, nothing is guaranteed for Smith, but he couldn’t ask for a better situation to take his career to the next level. And if he does, he could become that spark plug the WVU offense so desperately needs.

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