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How 'Isolated' Miami Hurricanes' Chase Smith Was Overcoming Injuries
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- How 'Isolated' Miami Hurricanes' Chase Smith Was Overcoming Injuries
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
MIAMI, Fla. – In the Miami Hurricanes ' 41-13 win over Clemson at Death Valley (Memorial Stadium) last Saturday, sixth-year linebacker Chase Smith had a remarkable performance: six total tackles, five solos and an assist, and a tackle for loss, including a fourth-and-one stop to force a turnover on downs.
However, the journey up to this point wasn't easy.
After a productive freshman campaign in 2021, primarily on special teams, Smith would suffer major setbacks. He was limited in both the 2022 (five games) and 2023 (three games) seasons. Smith shares a similar story to Hurricanes teammates, like sixth-year center Ryan Rodriguez and eighth-year linebacker Mohmaed Toure: spending a ton of time in the recovery room.
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Despite the setbacks, Smith stood by the Coral Gables program, even through the head-coaching transition from Manny Diaz to Mario Cristobal. He proved it to be a wise decision in the 2025 season. Smith played an impactful role in the Hurricanes' historic run to the National Championship game. He primarily served as a reserve to Toure and former program linebacker Wesley Bissainthe. Smith logged 31 total tackles, 15 solos and 16 assists, two passes broken up, and two fumbles recovered, and appeared in all 16 games – all new collegiate career highs.
In a recent episode of the Greentree Made show, hosted by quarterback Darian Mensah, the 23-year-old shared the "isolation" that came with battling through injuries and standing tall.
"Definitely one of the hardest things I had to overcome," Smith said. "I had a good group of guys and staff members around me to support that process. It makes you feel isolated and that's why I'm always talking to the guys that are in the training room now. They're getting after it, trying to get back on the field. It puts you in a place where you feel like you're alone."
The Hurricanes have been hit with a plethora of injuries to start the season:
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- Cornerback Xavier Lucas (Undisclosed)
- Cornerback Romanas "OJ" Frederique Jr. (Left Shoulder)
- Cornerback Ja'Boree Antoine (Undisclosed)
- Right Guard Max Buchanan (Left Leg)
- Running Back CharMar "Marty" Brown (Right Leg; Out for Season)
- Tight End Luka Gilbert (Undisclosed; Out for Season)
- Wide Receiver Joshua Moore (Left Shoulder; Out for Season)
Smith understands what it's like to be in their situation. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, it's granted him two more opportunities to play college football, which currently consists of National Championship contention. Smith's long tenure with the Hurricanes could end on a higher note than before. Although playing six years of college football can lead to fluid results when pursuing the NFL, he still has more games to play this season to prove doubters wrong.
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The Hurricanes are currently in a bye week, returning to the field at Hard Rock Stadium for next Saturday's in-state rivalry clash against the Florida State Seminoles . Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on ESPN.
More Miami Hurricanes News:
- UM's Starting Right Guard Max Buchanan Sidelined for the Foreseeable Future?
- No. 4 UM Scheduled to Host Five-Star Recruits Against In-State Rival
- Former Miami Hurricanes Signee Takes Game Visits With SEC Programs
