Roquan Smith’s full speed ahead in practice

Roquan Smith didn’t get a chance to do much during spring practice due to wrist surgery that led to a lengthy healing process.

Cleared for contact this preseason, however, Smith has finally been able to go full speed in front of his new coaching staff. Smith, a sophomore inside linebacker out of Macon County, has certainly stood out, considering Smart went out of his way to praise him for his work ethic thus far.

“Roquan Smith, he hasn’t lost that yet,” head coach Kirby Smart said. “He just plays as hard as he can every play.”

Smart said Smith plays without a governor, alluding to the device that limits the speed of a vehicle. It’s the kind of trait Smart said he wants to see out of each of his players in practice.

“I don’t want governors,” Smart said. “I want you to run out of juice by the end of practice. Give me all you got and when you run out, we’re good with that, and next time, let’s push it a little more.”

Smith totaled 20 tackles last season in a reserve role as well as on special teams. He spent spring practice with the second team but will have a chance to earn a starting spot alongside Natrez Patrick.

Smith took first-team reps at the beginning of Tuesday’s practice as Reggie Carter was finishing up a final exam.

Smart said Smith has increased his weight from the 217 pounds he entered the spring with.

“He has gotten a little bigger,” Smart said. “The biggest thing with him is going to be staying healthy for his size. He’s playing fast out there. That’s very pleasing to see. He’s taken a leadership role and he’s got a lot of ability. He’s got to continue to work the same way.”

This story was originally published August 3, 2016 at 4:20 PM with the headline "Roquan Smith’s full speed ahead in practice."