Texas has dismissed linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith from the program due to conduct detrimental to the team, head coach Steve Sarkisian announced. Smith was a returning contributor and was in contention for a starting position on defense.
Last season, Smith played in 12 games, starting in the Citrus Bowl against Michigan where he recorded nine tackles and two interceptions. In total for the previous season, he accumulated 60 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. He was competing with transfers Rasheem Biles and Justin Cryer for a starting role.
Smith had missed the team's most recent Saturday scrimmage due to the flu but had returned to practice this week. The announcement of his dismissal came Friday night.
"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."
The dismissal adds a complication for new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. "Guys are going to have to grow into certain roles," Sarkisian stated. "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."
The Texas Longhorns are ranked fifth in the Associated Press preseason poll and are scheduled to open their season against Texas State on September 5.