The news keeps getting better and better on the health front for one of the most talented young offensive linemen in the country.
In mid-July, Jeremy Pruitt confirmed that Trey Smith had been medically cleared, albeit on a limited, non-contact basis, to participate in practice when Tennessee kicked off summer camp. It was subsequently revealed that Smith had been dealing with blood clots in his lungs, but he should be fully cleared at some point during camp.
Wednesday bore even better news as Pruitt confirmed that Smith has indeed been cleared for full contact.
#Vols sophomore OL Trey Smith has indeed been cleared for contact, according to coach Jeremy Pruitt.
— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) August 22, 2018
Big, big news for Tennessee.
It’s expected Smith will be in uniform and available -- if not starting -- when UT opens the 2018 season against West Virginia Sept. 1 in Charlotte.
A consensus five-star 2017 signee, Smith started all 12 games for the Volunteers as a true freshman last season. In the Nov. 4 win over Southern Miss, Smith became the first true freshman to start at left tackle for UT in more than three decades. Smith, who led the Volunteers in knockdowns with 55, started games at four of the five positions along the offensive line, the lone exception being center.
Based off that debut performance, Smith earned consensus Freshman All-American honors and was named second-team All-SEC.