University of Tennessee Athletics

Photo by: Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
Trey Smith Cleared to Play in Season Opener
August 28, 2019 | Football
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee has announced that Trey Smith is cleared to play in the season-opener on Saturday versus Georgia State.
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"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. "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."
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Smith has started all 19 games he has played in during his career. He earned All-SEC Second Team and SEC All-Freshman honors in 2017 when he became the first Vol true freshman to start at left tackle in over 30 years. He collected FWAA Freshman All-America honors in 2017 and nabbed preseason All-SEC First Team accolades in 2018.
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"This is Trey's decision and our medical staff has done a great job throughout this entire process," head coach Jeremy 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."
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Smith has been an active speaker to youth groups and elementary schools during his time at Tennessee and spearheaded a coat drive for Knoxville Area Rescue Ministry (KARM) during the 2018 season, where over 1,000 coats were donated over five days because of his efforts.
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He was named to the 2018 SEC Community Service Team and is a nominee for the 2019 AFCA Good Works Team as a member of the 2019 Wuerffel Trophy Preseason Watch List.
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"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. "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."
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Smith has started all 19 games he has played in during his career. He earned All-SEC Second Team and SEC All-Freshman honors in 2017 when he became the first Vol true freshman to start at left tackle in over 30 years. He collected FWAA Freshman All-America honors in 2017 and nabbed preseason All-SEC First Team accolades in 2018.
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"This is Trey's decision and our medical staff has done a great job throughout this entire process," head coach Jeremy 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."
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Smith has been an active speaker to youth groups and elementary schools during his time at Tennessee and spearheaded a coat drive for Knoxville Area Rescue Ministry (KARM) during the 2018 season, where over 1,000 coats were donated over five days because of his efforts.
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He was named to the 2018 SEC Community Service Team and is a nominee for the 2019 AFCA Good Works Team as a member of the 2019 Wuerffel Trophy Preseason Watch List.
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