Things have gone from bad to worse for the Arizona Wildcats defense this season. From losing all three captains to season-ending injuries, to seeing seven starters hit the transfer portal this week, things won’t be easy for Duane Akina’s successor. Friday’s new doesn’t make it any easier, as Arizona defensive back Genesis Smith entered the transfer portal, per On3’s Hayes Fawcett.
Smith, a former three-star recruit from Phoenix powerhouse Hamilton High School, was one of three in-state prospects from Arizona’s 2023 recruiting class. The rising star on the Wildcats’ defense appeared in all 25 games during his two seasons in Tucson. As a freshman, Smith appeared in 13 games, recording 24 tackles, breaking onto the scene with his first career interception in Arizona’s 2023 Alamo Bowl victory.
This year, Smith appeared in all 12 games, and started eight games for the Wildcats, after veteran defensive backs Treydan Stukes and Gunner Maldonado suffered season-ending injuries. Smith notched 63 tackles, three interceptions, nine PBU, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. Smith also earned Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors following his seven tackle, two takeaway performance against Houston.
Genesis Smith is the eighth defensive starter to hit the transfer portal, joining Stukes and Maldonado, as well as linebacker Jacob Manu, defensive lineman Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei, and defensive backs Emmanuel Karnley, Tacario Davis, and Dalton Johnson.