Braden Smith Completely Healed after Injury Ended his 2021 Campaign
August 18, 2022 | Football
As the University of Louisville prepares for its first game in just over two weeks, the Cards continue to put in the final touches on their preseason in fall camp.
Their season-opening road game against Syracuse will take place on Saturday, September 3 at 8pm ET.
Senior, Braden Smith, is also excited to be back out on the field following a season-ending knee injury in 2021. The wide receiver from Mississippi tore several ligaments in his left knee during the Cardinals' win over Florida State on Sept. 25. Smith had two major knee surgeries and was out for a majority of the 2021 season, facing a recovery process that took a toll on his mental toughness and ability to stay positive.
Smith caught 11 passes for 68 yards in those four games after showing his big-play ability. In his first year with the Cards he 27 receptions for 370 yards.
As the Cardinals rebuilt their wide receiver room in the offseason with a pair of transfers and signees, Smith's veteran presence will be greatly needed.
"One of the things I learned about myself was that you never know how tough you can be until that's your only option. Going through the recovery process is an unknown for a long period of time. It forces you to stay positive and mentally tough through the process," Smith said. "I learned to trust the process."
"When camp started, that was really the first time I was fully ready to go without limitations. It was the first time I was able to bolster that confidence," said Smith. "From then on, having that initial confidence has allowed me to progressively keep growing throughout camp."
Smith has also had to adjust to changes in the roster with an influx of newcomers. His veteran presence in the locker room has forced him to step up and assume more leadership responsibilities.
"It's been excellent. You have guys like Tyler Hudson who compete every day and make ridiculous plays every day. And then you have big body freshmen coming in like Chris Bell, Chance Morrow who are out there making plays, making contested catches," said Smith. "It's been good to see those guys compete every day. They have a very bright future."
Smith continuously encourages his teammates on and off the field. He is also excited to continue showing the new guys the ropes.
"It's a battle every day we go to camp. It's been great competition, getting out there and forcing each other to get better every day."
Their season-opening road game against Syracuse will take place on Saturday, September 3 at 8pm ET.
Senior, Braden Smith, is also excited to be back out on the field following a season-ending knee injury in 2021. The wide receiver from Mississippi tore several ligaments in his left knee during the Cardinals' win over Florida State on Sept. 25. Smith had two major knee surgeries and was out for a majority of the 2021 season, facing a recovery process that took a toll on his mental toughness and ability to stay positive.
Smith caught 11 passes for 68 yards in those four games after showing his big-play ability. In his first year with the Cards he 27 receptions for 370 yards.
As the Cardinals rebuilt their wide receiver room in the offseason with a pair of transfers and signees, Smith's veteran presence will be greatly needed.
"One of the things I learned about myself was that you never know how tough you can be until that's your only option. Going through the recovery process is an unknown for a long period of time. It forces you to stay positive and mentally tough through the process," Smith said. "I learned to trust the process."
"When camp started, that was really the first time I was fully ready to go without limitations. It was the first time I was able to bolster that confidence," said Smith. "From then on, having that initial confidence has allowed me to progressively keep growing throughout camp."
Smith has also had to adjust to changes in the roster with an influx of newcomers. His veteran presence in the locker room has forced him to step up and assume more leadership responsibilities.
"It's been excellent. You have guys like Tyler Hudson who compete every day and make ridiculous plays every day. And then you have big body freshmen coming in like Chris Bell, Chance Morrow who are out there making plays, making contested catches," said Smith. "It's been good to see those guys compete every day. They have a very bright future."
Smith continuously encourages his teammates on and off the field. He is also excited to continue showing the new guys the ropes.
"It's a battle every day we go to camp. It's been great competition, getting out there and forcing each other to get better every day."
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