Volunteers’ Trey Smith Cleared By Doctors To Make His Return

Trey Smith has been cleared by his doctors and is ready to make his return to Tennessee football.  The freshman All American offensive lineman has been out since February due to an “undisclosed medical condition.”

After Offensive Lineman Trey Smith was unable to participate in spring practice, there was plenty of speculation as to what was really going on.  In the beginning, many wondered if this was another injury that was left over from the Butch Jones era and the team was simply keeping things quiet.  That quickly turned into concern as it was announced he had blood clots in his lungs, and everyone simply wanted him to be okay.

Heading into SEC Media Days this year, it was still unknown as to whether or not the 6’6, 335-pound lineman would be ready to go for the 2018 season.  Before ever making it to the podium in Atlanta, Jeremy Pruitt was asked about Trey Smith’s situation.  After staying quiet throughout the entire offseason, Coach Pruitt finally gave Vol fans the news they had been waiting to hear; Smith was expected to be back for fall camp.

On July 31, Chris Low from ESPN broke the news and reported:

So what does this mean going forward?

Obviously, this is great news for Tennessee fans, and most importantly, for Trey Smith and his family.  However, his return to the football field does not come without risk.  Blood clots anywhere can be scary but having them in your lungs is nothing to play around with.

Making the decision to return to football was not one that Smith took lightly.  He was tested by multiple doctors and specialists, and he and his family made sure that nothing was left unchecked.  As someone who has dealt with a blood clot in my lung before, I understand first hand how scary something like this can be, not just for yourself, but for your entire family.

Smith has been on blood thinner medicine to help make sure the clots were broken up and would not return.  That being said, he is always going to be at risk whether he is playing football or not.  Smith will return to full contact sometime during fall camp and is expected to start on the offensive line when the Vols open against West Virginia on September 1st.

This news is huge for the Volunteers.  Especially given the fact that the offensive line has been an area of constant struggle over the last several years.  Smith started all 12 games last season and played every position on the offensive line except center.

Not only did he start every game, he was a dominant force and the only bright spot on an offensive line decimated by injuries.  Losing Smith would have been a devastating blow to the Volunteers.

According to Chris Low, Smith is going to be on the left side of the line this season.  With the additions Tennessee has made, it’s possible he will not have to carry as much of the load this season.  Only time will tell.

Going in the 2018 season, Trey Smith has been selected to the pre-season All-SEC first team.  If he is able to stay healthy, I expect Smith to have another great year.