The University of Texas Longhorns have dismissed linebacker Ty'Anthony Smith from the football program, head coach Steve Sarkisian announced on Saturday, citing conduct detrimental to the team.
Smith's dismissal was announced Friday evening, coming just weeks before Texas begins its new season. He had been battling the flu the week before his removal.
"I didn't like it," Sarkisian said. "It's an unfortunate situation for him individually. For us as a team, I hate that. He's a quality player, but I have to think about the team first."
A key contributor last season
Smith recorded 60 tackles last season, the second-most of any returning member of the Longhorns defense, including 5.5 for a loss. He also added two sacks and two forced fumbles.
He appeared in 12 games and made his first career start against Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, a game in which he posted nine tackles and two interceptions.
At the time of his dismissal, Smith had been competing for the starting job against two transfers, Rasheem Biles of Pittsburgh and Justin Cryer of Florida State.
Bigger role now up for grabs
Smith had been projected to take on a larger role this season following the departures of Anthony Hill Jr. and Trey Moore to the NFL, along with Liona Lefau's transfer to Deion Sanders' Colorado Buffaloes program.
"Guys are going to have to grow into certain roles," Sarkisian said. "I think when we do want to go into our base package that we've got the right people on the field. How many snaps a game that is really is depending on the opponent."
Sarkisian praises transfer Cryer
Speaking to reporters on a Zoom call Saturday, Sarkisian praised Cryer, the Florida State senior transfer, for his approach since arriving at Texas.
"[Cryer] is squeezing every ounce of juice that he can out of this opportunity to be at Texas, and it's greatly appreciated," Sarkisian said. "I think it serves as a great model for a lot of the other transfers. This guy didn't wait and feel it out to 'Where do I fit in?' He's gone for it. And I think he's reaping the benefits of it. He's playing at a high level for us right now."
