KNOXVILLE – Tennessee junior offensive lineman Trey Smith will play in Saturday’s season opener against Georgia State.
The 2017 Freshman All-American’s sophomore season was cut short due to the recurrence of blood clots forming in his lungs, which had made his status questionable.
“This is Trey’s decision and our medical staff has done a great job throughout this entire process,” Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt said in a university release. “The main priority has been and always will be Trey’s health. Our doctors have implemented a plan that will allow Trey to play, and we’re excited for him.”
Smith has started all 19 games he has played in during his Tennessee career. He was an All-Southeastern Conference second-team selection in 2017, when he became the Volunteers’ first true freshman to start at left tackle in more than 30 years. He was a preseason All-SEC first-team pick in 2018.
He is expected to start at left guard against the Panthers. Saturday’s game at Neyland Stadium is at 3:30 p.m.
“My family and I consulted with several of the best doctors in the country, and a plan has been developed that allows me to compete with my teammates on game day,” Smith said in a university release. “My family and I are confident in that plan. The coaches and staff here at Tennessee have always had my best interests at heart and I can’t thank them enough. Thanks to all of the fans and my teammates for all of their support.”
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenley3 or at Facebook.com/VolsUpdate.