The University of Texas Longhorns football team has dismissed linebacker Ty'Anthony Smith, a key returning defensive player, from the program due to conduct detrimental to the team, head coach Steve Sarkisian announced Saturday.
Smith was a significant contributor for the Longhorns last season, recording 60 tackles, the second-highest total among returning defensive players. He also amassed 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. Smith played in 12 games and earned his first start in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Michigan, where he recorded nine tackles and two interceptions.
The dismissal comes as Smith was competing for a starting position, with Sarkisian noting the competition involving transfers Rasheem Biles of Pitt and Justin Cryer of Florida State. "I didn't like it," Sarkisian said of the situation. "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."
Smith was expected to play a more prominent role in the upcoming season following the departures of Anthony Hill Jr. and Trey Moore to the NFL, as well as Liona Lefau's transfer to Colorado. "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."
Sarkisian praised transfer Justin Cryer, a senior from Florida State, for his immediate impact and dedication. "[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 during a Zoom call with reporters. "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."
Smith's dismissal occurred on Friday evening, shortly after he had been battling the flu the preceding week.
