By Brett Shweky/Sports Director
Former FIU tight end Jonnu Smith scored the first touchdown of his NFL career this past weekend against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Smith managed to find the endzone on a 32-yard screen pass as he evaded multiple defenders to score.
The Tennessee Titans, Smith’s current team, were victorious against the Jaguars winning 37-16 at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. The former Panther finished the game having secured two receptions for 30 yards.
During his collegiate career with the Panthers, Smith established himself as one of the greatest FIU football players to walk through the Miami campus. The Ocala, Florida native cemented himself in the FIU record books during his senior year, finishing his career as the leader in receiving yards and receptions for tight ends. Smith even managed to conclude his Panther career with 18 touchdowns, the third-most in school history.
Smith’s former teammate, quarterback Alex McGough, explained earlier in the season that Jonnu’s skill set and leadership will be greatly missed throughout the year.
“You can’t replace a guy like that [Smith]. A player of that caliber is very hard to replace,” said McGough. “I only say that because he was just a freak of nature. That guy was just outstanding.”
In the preseason, Smith showed the Titans flashes of his potential, securing seven passes for 72 yard on 13 targets throughout the four-game span. The West Port High School alumni had his best preseason game against the Carolina Panthers where he accumulated five receptions for 47 yards on seven targets.
With Smith being the second-string tight end for Tennessee, behind pro-bowler Delanie Walker, he will have to continue to prove himself to the Titans coaching staff if he hopes to see the field on a more consistent basis. However, with this being only his second regular season game of his rookie season, one would expect to see an increase in production from Smith.
Smith and the rest of Titans will return to the field on Sept. 24 as Tennessee will play host to the Seattle Seahawks. Kickoff at Nissan Stadium is set for 4:05 p.m.
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