Special Teams Coordinator Matthew Smiley Breaks Down Kicker Competition, Swain’s Success, and More / sportsearchers.com

South Carolina special teams coordinator Matthew Smiley addressed the media Wednesday ahead of the Mississippi State matchup, touching on the ongoing kicker battle, Vicari Swain’s special teams dominance, and the situation surrounding Ethan Sanchez.

The Kicker Competition Remains Open

Despite Max Kelley getting the majority of reps, Smiley made clear the job isn’t settled: “I’d say competition is always ongoing. Malik (Orsan) got a chance for kicks in both those first two games. So, I mean, you’re always competing. You’re always competing, for sure.”

Praising Vicari Swain’s Historic Performance

Smiley credited not just Swain but the entire punt return unit for his two-touchdown outing against Towson: “Great job by Vicari. I would say phenomenal job by the other 10 guys on Saturday. There were probably seven or eight blocks that were dominant, correct leverage, running all the way through the whistle, guys sprinting all the way. We had blocks right at the goal line to get him in there.” He praised Swain’s individual talent as well, noting his ability to field punts cleanly and produce with the ball in his hands.

Kelley’s Response After a Missed Field Goal

Asked about Kelley’s mindset after missing a field goal but converting his next attempt, Smiley pointed to the value of getting a second chance: “I think the great thing is he got a chance for another field goal. The first game, it was all extra points. We had two field goals here this last Saturday. The fact that Max was able to get out there and get another chance to make a field goal, I thought that was great that he rose to the challenge and even got that opportunity because we all know as specialists, a lot of times, you don’t get another opportunity.”

Not Lowering Standards for SEC Play

Asked whether he warns the team that SEC opponents will make things tougher on special teams — as happened last year when Swain’s production dropped significantly once conference play began — Smiley rejected that framing entirely: “I don’t talk that way. I’m always pushing for a standard level of play that we’re working for… Two touchdowns don’t make you an elite team.” He emphasized consistency regardless of opponent: “I think it’s real dangerous when you start changing up what you’re saying and what you’re doing and how you’re practicing based on the opponent. You’re always fighting for improvement, fighting for competition and fighting to making sure you’re raising your level of play to meet that standard.”

Staying Out of the Swain-to-Offense Discussion

When asked about conversations regarding potentially using Swain on offense, Smiley kept his distance from the topic: “That’s an interesting question. There’s a lot of supposition in even starting that question. That’s not a conversation that involves me.” He did note that Swain has experience with both kickoff and punt returns in his career, and downplayed any concern about him handling dual roles: “I don’t think it would be tough for him… I don’t think it would be a limitation on his part. It’d be how it fits into the big picture.”

J’Zavien Currence’s Rise

Smiley explained how young players like J’Zavien Currence earn expanded special teams roles, describing a weekly evaluation process called “stealing reps,” where standout performances in practice — even from scout team players — get recognized and rewarded with increased opportunities.

Ethan Sanchez’s Difficult Situation

Addressing kicker Ethan Sanchez’s uncertain eligibility status, Smiley praised his maturity throughout the process: “He’s handling it phenomenally. He’s able to practice. I mean, there is that uncertainty, but he’s handling it like a grown up, which is phenomenal. He’s getting work in practice. He’s fitting in great with the guys.”