On Monday afternoon, Virginia Tech wide receiver Kaleb Smith was named the ACC’s Wide Receiver of the Week.
The Bumpass, Va. native had a career day at Pitt on Saturday, finishing with nine receptions for 152 yards (16.9 avg). Though he did not score a touchdown, Smith had three of the Hokies’ five plays of 20-plus yards: catches for 28, 30 and 37 yards.
One of Tech’s seven team captains, Smith is ninth in the ACC in receiving yards in 2022 with 402. His previous career-high for yards in a single game was 70, set against West Virginia this season.
“He’s an example of just an investment and work and attitude, all of those things you know are so important in reaching your potential as a player,” Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry said of Smith after the Pitt loss. “He’s one of those guys you love to coach. He just wants to get better. He may be hurt this week. If he can practice, he will, and he’ll go as hard as he possibly can.
“It doesn’t matter that he had the success; he’s humble, he’ll grind, he’ll work, he’ll make plays in practice. He’s a great example for the rest of our football team and how you go about your business at this level to have a chance to reach your potential.”
Smith is the second Hokie to earn All-ACC honors this year, joining defensive end TyJuan Garbutt. He’s the first wide receiver to be an All-ACC weekly performer since Tayvion Robinson did so in September 2021.
Smith’s production has steadily increased throughout his time in Blacksburg. After posting a combined 209 yards on 17 receptions in 2019 and 2020, he caught 20 passes for 260 yards last season.
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Brutal fumble.
He “took” a mighty hit. Glad he was able to watch the game vs. in a hospital bed.
GO HOKIES!!!!!!!
Hmmmh . . . what? Oh . . . sorry, I was thinking about basketball. . . but this is nice . . . good for him. Kudos to Kaleb. . . .ok now where did I see that seating chart for the Cassell?