Sadly, a medical issue that plagued one of the most talented offensive linemen in the nation during the offseason has resurfaced.
In a press release sent out early Thursday afternoon, Tennessee announced that Trey Smith will be sidelined indefinitely after blood clots were again discovered in the sophomore left tackle’s lungs. While the football program stated that Smith is expected to make a full recovery, it’s unknown when he’ll be able to return to the playing field.
“The most important thing for Trey is to be able to get healthy,” head coach Jeremy Pruitt said in a statement. “He has been an outstanding student-athlete during my time here on and off the field. Our sole focus for Trey is on his recovery.
“We are thankful that our medical staff discovered this and is getting him the proper treatment.”
In mid-July, Pruitt confirmed that Smith had been medically cleared, albeit on a limited, non-contact basis, to participate in practice when Tennessee kicked off summer camp the following month. It was subsequently revealed that Smith had been dealing with blood clots in his lungs, although he was cleared in late August for full contact.
The left started the opener against West Virginia a week later.
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.