Another prominent ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ defensive player is exploring the transfer portal market.Â
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ sophomore defensive back Genesis Smith is planning to enter the transfer portal, reported .
Smith will join linebacker Jacob Manu, cornerback Tacario Davis, nickel back Treydan Stukes, safety Gunner Maldonado, safety Dalton Johnson and defensive lineman Ta'ita'i Uiagalelei as notable UA defensive players to enter the transfer portal.
Smith is the 28th scholarship Wildcat to enter the transfer portal. Â
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ safety Genesis Smith (12) during an NCAA football game on Saturday,Oct. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John McCoy)
After the Chandler native and Hamilton High School product signed with ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in 2023, Smith contributed as a true freshman last season and his first interception as a Wildcat was one of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s six takeaways in the Alamo Bowl win over Oklahoma.
As a sophomore, the 6-2, 203-pound Smith tied safety Jack Luttrell for a team-high three interceptions and was third in tackles (63) after starting in three different positions in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s defensive secondary due to so many injuries this season.Â
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Once Stukes went down with a season-ending ACL injury, Smith stepped in as ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s starting nickel back, with Luttrell at free safety.Â
Smith was named Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Week after his two-takeaway performance in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s win over Houston.Â
Contact Justin Spears, the Star's ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ football beat reporter, at jspears@tucson.com. On X(Twitter): @JustinESports
Justin Spears
Sports Reporter
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