FOXBOROUGH -- Tight end Jonnu Smith had a few productive years with the Titans, but based on his skill set, especially with yards after the catch, it feels like he hasn't quite yet reached his full potential.
But, now that he's on the Patriots and is playing alongside Hunter Henry and has Josh McDaniels as his offensive coordinator, perhaps that could change.
Speaking after the in-stadium practice Friday night, Smith acknowledged he could do things this season he hasn't done before, potentially even taking a hand-off, which was showed Friday.
“Whatever it will take to help us win, whatever I have to do," he said. "I’m just excited to be able to use my ability to its fullest potential. Even touch some areas where maybe I do some things I’ve never done before. Kind of scratch the surface here and see what lies beneath.”
Smith added: “They’re going to use my ability, man, to help this team be in the best position possible. I consider myself a guy that can do a lot of things at the tight end position and you know, whatever it may take to help this team win, that’s what I’m going to do.”
In his four seasons in the league, his career-high in catches is 41 and yards is 448. It feels like he should easily surpass those this season in New England.
Friday was Smith's first time on the game field with fans as a member of the Patriots and he seemed to enjoy it.
“Man, so much," he said. "That was kind of the first question I got over here from my guy, and it’s such an amazing feeling to be back. It feels like football again. Not saying that last year didn’t, but again, this is the stuff – you get high off this type of stuff, man, you know what I mean? Not high like that! You know what I’m saying. Just being able to have this energy, and feel this energy from the fans, is just amazing.”