Smythe Building Consistency
The arrival of new offensive coordinator Chip Long immediately brought talk of multiple tight end sets, as long as the unit did their job. Senior tight end Durham Smythe believes his room has shown the ability to make plays coming out of camp.
“I think this is the most depth at the position since I have been here,” Smythe stated. “We’ve had a lot of guys step up during camp, and our room is excited to get out there to show everyone what we can actually do.”
The 6-foot-5, 257-pounder has caught 13 balls for 137 yards and five scores over his career for the Irish, but Smythe is looking to improve those numbers this fall.
“Consistency is a big thing with me,” explained Smythe. “I’ve always been trying to focus on being a tight end who does a little bit of both facets of the game. I needed to develop the trust to be able to do what I need to do on every play, and I’ve really focused on that recently.”
Long runs the offense, but he doubles as the tight ends coach, and Smythe has appreciated the energy he has brought to practice.
“He’s a pretty consistent guy,” Smythe said. “I’d like to say he is a little more excited this week, but I haven’t seen a chance. He’s a guy who comes excited every day. Day one back in Culver 30 days ago, he’s just as excited now.”
When it comes to Smythe’s quarterback, Brandon Wimbush, he echoed his teammates in stating the first year quarterback is ready to get rolling.
“He’s a guy that always has high energy,” stated Smythe “You can tell he’s excited to get out there and to play against a team in a different jersey.”
Smythe will be counted on to help Wimbush maneuver the ups and downs of the season, but he will also need to bring along freshmen tight ends Cole Kmet and Brock Wright, as both will play in 2017.
“There is always a learning curve with freshmen coming into your first year of college football,” Smythe explained. “These guys have come in physically prepared, and both have caught on to the offense quickly. I’m confident in them and their ability.”
The Texas native has also been keeping a close eye on the news as Hurricane Harvey rocked his home state.
“It’s been really sad,” said Smythe. “I had a short stint in Houston and lived there for a few years. I still have some extended friends that are down in the area. Brock, being in our room and being from that area, he has kept us updated.
“I’ve been reaching out to people back home that are in the Belton area, which isn’t as bad, but we’ve been trying to think of ways to build awareness in this area.”