Arnold Wants to Know What Smith Knows

It's been several years since Nick Saban initially blocked safety Maurice Smith's transfer to Georgia. Saban later relented and Smith finished his career in Athens. Fast forward to 2023 where Smith's younger brother Ainias, a standout receiver/kick returner for Texas A&M, has not forgotten.

Smith says he knows "what Saban wants."

One of the current Alabama defenders who will guard Smith this weekend when the Tide travels to College Station will be cornerback Terrion Arnold, who is off to a great start in his second season as a starter under Saban.

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Arnold likes to talk to opponents during the games, and it seems he and Smith have a few things to talk about between the lines Saturday.

"I seen something that says he knows what Coach Saban wants,' Arnold said Tuesday during a press conference. "When I seen that I was kind of like, 'What does Coach Saban want?'

"I mean, I've been here three years and I don't know what that guy wants. So I don't know. If we're being honest, I don't really even know."

What might Smith say back? Perhaps he dropped a hint at a Monday press briefing in College Station.

"It's in the past now and I'm not able to control it, but every time I do look on that sideline I do think about what happened, and I'll definitely be thinking about it," the younger Smith said Monday. 'It's more personal for sure."

Arnold also told Tide 100.9 in response to a question about his relationship with fellow corner Kool-Aid McKinstry that the two are quite close.

"Kool-Aid and I came in here together and we've been brothers right off the bat," Arnold replied. "He's very personable and the type person that will give you the shirt off his back.

"We've learned a lot from each other. One thing I take away from him is how much he cares. The guy loves football and really puts a lot of time into it. He's really smart.

"Y'all see the chains and the glitz, but the guy really loves football and really cares. I love being able to go out there and call him my teammate and my brother and build a relationship with him. That means a lot to me. We've got a true brotherhood.

"He's somebody I will deal with and have a life-long relationship with."

Alabama and A&M kick off at 2;30 p.m. CT Saturday and the game will be carried iive by Tide 100.9 and 95.3 The Bear.

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