February 4, 2025

Competitive and Confident Kiondré Smith Looking to Build On Breakout 2024 Season

Newly re-signed Kiondré Smith joined Steve Milton and the Ticats Audio Network following the news yesterday of his two-year extension in Hamilton.

The second-generation Tiger-Cat is coming off a career year in, posting personal bests in receptions (74), receiving yards (933) and receiving touchdowns (7). The former Guelph Gryphon seemingly developed a nose for the end zone, far exceeding his numbers from his first two seasons in the league.

“It’s all about when preparation meets opportunity,” Smith told the Ticats Audio Network. “Once you catch the ball and get to around the 10-yard line, it’s one of those things where it’s ‘let’s not get stopped short now’, you just have to fight through. I don’t really take well to going down within the five.”

Smith, who just turned 25 years old, says he’s looking forward to the opportunity to step into more of a leadership role, despite still being one of the youngest players on the roster.

The 2022 fourth-round draft choice wasn’t the only homegrown receiver the Tiger-Cats locked up recently, with Hamilton native Tyler Ternowski agreeing to an extension on Friday.

“I love having Tyler back. He’s one of my closest people on the team,” Smith said. “He’s one of those guys who goes on and does absolutely anything you ask of him and he’s capable of doing anything, playing receiver, running down on specials, being a physical presence or being a smart guy in the locker room.”

You can hear Steve Milton’s full interview with Kiondré Smith and Ante Litre on the Ticats Audio Network.