It’s no surprise when Trey Smith is honored as an outstanding football player as he’s been Tennessee’s best and most consistent player from the time he set foot on campus in Knoxville.

What is interesting to see is the hulking Volunteer lineman receive accolades for his work off the field, which was something that happened this week as Smith was named the most recent Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year, which recognizes exemplary leadership both on and off the field. Smith is the third player to be honored by the award.

The other finalists for the award were Isaiah Sanders of Air Force and Michael Pittman, Jr. of USC. Previous winners include Shaquem Griffin of UCF (following the 2017 season) and D’Cota Dixon of Wisconsin (following the 2018 season). After winning the award, Smith will receive a $10,000 contribution in his name to his school’s athletic scholarship fund.

Smith won the award for the following achievements, outlined by the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year website:

One of the most dominant linemen in football and a 2019 first-team All-SEC honoree, Smith was a Freshman All-American who had to fight his way back on the field after being diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs before the start of his sophomore season. His return to the field and excellent play this season has been an inspiration to his team. A member of the 2018 SEC Community Service Team and a Wuerffel Trophy nominee, Smith spearheaded a coat drive for the Knoxville Area Rescue Ministry and was selected as a member of the 2018 VOLeaders Class, a group of leaders chosen across all sports at Tennessee.

Tennessee shared the following video to honor Smith for taking home the award.

Cover photo credit: Tennessee Athletics