When Gregory Smith III left the Florida Gators to the transfer portal, some were surprised by his departure as it looked like he was in line for an uptick in playing time in 2025. Smith had played with the 1st team unit during the spring due to injuries in Florida's secondary but didn't play in the spring game after it was announced he would be hitting the transfer portal.
Last-ditch efforts to keep Smith didn't work, and while he has yet to formally announce his new home, he has been predicted to wind up in Chapel Hill at UNC.
We point all this out because on social media this week, Smith posted an award given to him that showcased the growth the coaching staff thought he made this spring.
Gregory Smith III was the most improved for the Florida Gators
Smith posted on X his plaque for winning the "Fred Taylor Most Improved Freshman Award."
It's awkward, to say the least, given that Smith didn't even play in the spring game after word got out that he would be hitting the transfer portal. Normally, though, these awards are decided upon before the game takes place.
It does add another interesting subplot to Smith's departure from the program, as it seems to indicate that Napier and crew had high hopes for Smith coming into the 2025 season.
Smith was a late addition to the class of 2024 by then-defensive backs coach Will Harris, and while Smith redshirted in 2024, he did see extended snaps against FSU. He was noted for being a raw but athletic prospect who was a great track athlete for Sumner High in Riverview.
Smith took a visit to Miami after officially hitting the transfer portal, but he followed that up with a visit to UNC, and On3 has logged a projection that Smith is going to land with the Tar Heels.