Tennessee fans just got the news they have been waiting for all offseason to hear — Trey Smith is cleared to return to the field for the opener against Georgia State.
The junior lineman appeared in only seven games last season after it was revealed he was dealing with blood clots following his freshman season at Tennessee. Smith managed to return to the lineup as a sophomore but the clots returned, sideling Tennessee’s best player for the remainder of the season after the first seven games of the season.
On Wednesday, Tennessee announced Smith has been cleared to return to the field in the upcoming season opener.
“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 gameday,” Smith said via an official 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.”
Jeremy Pruitt also released the following statement regarding Smith’s return to the field.
“This is Trey’s decision and our medical staff has done a great job throughout this entire process,” Pruitt said. “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 are excited for him.”
Smith was a Freshman All-American in 2017 and a preseason All-SEC selection in 2018. He has 19 starts in his career and was a five-star recruit coming out of Jackson, Tenn., in the 2017 recruiting cycle.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
