Kentucky's defense had the right communication and shut out Florida in the second half. (UK Athletics Photo)
Keidron Smith is from West Palm Beach, Fla., and admits he grew up thinking he might be able to play college football at Florida.
Instead, the Gators never recruited him and he went to Mississippi for four years — he had 223 tackles and five interceptions — before transferring to Kentucky this season.
Now he has his revenge over the Gators as his 65-yard interception return in the third quarter sparked Kentucky’s 26-16 comeback win over No. 12 Florida at Gainesville. It was the first time Smith had played in The Swamp and he had numerous family members there to watch him play.
“I want to say it was a great atmosphere,” said Smith. “This is the closest I have played to home in college. A lot of family came here. They (Florida) were not recruiting in my area (when I was in high school). That was a little edge for me tonight. You guys (Florida) should have recruited me out of high school.”
Smith’s play was huge but he was quick to spread out the praise for the win.
“Everybody played well. It was amazing to see the team come together on both sides. Our communication was great and we got a win,” Smith said on the UK Radio Network.
He told Dick Gabriel film study during the week had him prepared to pick off Anthony Richardson’s pass that he returned for a touchdown. He said in certain situations Florida ran that route and he was positioned between receivers waiting for the ball to come that way.
“(Film) Study allows you to play so much faster rather than guessing what the offense will be doing when you know (what they will do),” Smith said.
He also thought his past experience in big games helped him
“I have done seen so much in my years. Games like this do not get to me as much,” Smith said. “You are going to have jitters but I was ready to come out and play and set an example for younger guys.”
“As a defense, we got to focus on getting the ball back to the offense. The offense will eventually come around. Get off the field on third down, stay sound and everything will take care of itself.”
Smith said the Cats would celebrate Saturday night but then get back to work because they have lofty goals for this season that include far more than just beating Florida.
“This is amazing. I am enjoying the moment,” Smith said. “We will celebrate tonight and then everything will take care of itself.”
