Arizona State Sun Devil Richard Smith transfers to Boise State Broncos

Dec 30, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils receiver Richard Smith (3) carries the ball against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the 2013 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With Boise State moving to an up-tempo offense under new head coach Bryan Harsin, it wouldn’t have made sense for them to turn down a transfer with experience in a  similar system.

Step forward Richard Smith, most recently of Arizona State, who has opted to switch schools to Boise, despite being a starter. Smith, a junior, started 8 games and was fourth on the team in receiving last season, catching 32 passes for 276 yards and 2 TDs, and also rushing 7 times for 78 yards. Smith chose to transfer despite the likelihood that he would make even more of a contribution next season.

The Broncos have their top two receivers, Matt Miller and Shane Williams-Rhodes returning from last season, but Miller will graduate in 2015, when Smith will be eligible to play after taking his obligatory redshirt season. This is a smart move for both BSU and Smith, as his experience will benefit a team looking for a potential number one receiver, and give Smith a leg up on the competition.

Arizona State, on the other hand, will definitely miss Smith’s versatility, as he also contributed on special teams, but the Sun Devils certainly do not lack depth at wide receiver.