Tag: Trey Smith

Vols perfect in the red zone against Missouri

Vols perfect in the red zone against Missouri.

KNOXVILLE — Tennessee (2-0, 2-0 SEC) defeated Missouri (0-2, 0-2 SEC), 35-12, in Week 2 of the SEC’s 10-game league-only schedule.

The Vols were perfect in the red zone against Missouri, scoring on all five opportunities in the area.

Tennessee scored all 35 points in the red zone with four touchdowns coming on the ground and one through the air.

“We have a lot of good synergy within our group and we knew that when we got that close we had to get it,” senior offensive lineman Trey Smith said in regards to Tennessee’s red zone success. “Coming into the game that was our plan initially, and when we got that close it was only a couple of inches from the goal line for a touchdown — we had to go get it. The coaches have a lot of confidence in us and that speaks volumes and we’re thankful for that.”

Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays (68) runs on the field during the first quarter during a game between Tennessee and Missouri at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020.

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Tennessee’s offensive line featured junior transfer Cade Mays against Missouri. Mays was cleared to play immediately by the SEC ahead of the contest.

“It was cool to finally play with him,” Smith said of Mays. “Cade is one of my best friends, I think everyone on the offensive line is my best friend, just having him out there was cool. When I found out he was eligible, I didn’t even really talk to him, I saw it on Twitter and Cooper (Mays) said something about it when I walked by him in the locker room. It was pretty exciting and awesome to have him out here.”

Trey Smith questions NCAA’s decision to not grant Cade Mays immediate eligibility

Trey Smith questions NCAA’s decision to not grant Cade Mays immediate eligibility.

KNOXVILLE – Tennessee is getting closer to game week ahead of its first contest at South Carolina on Sept. 26.

Ahead of the first game, senior offensive lineman Trey Smith met with media to discuss his teammate Cade Mays.

Mays transferred from Georgia to Tennessee in January. The Vols are currently appealing the NCAA’s decision to not grant Mays immediate eligibility to play this season.

“I have always wanted to play with Cade since high school, following each other over the years and staying connected,” Smith told reporters on a Zoom call Tuesday. “Then finally we get to the point where he comes back home and we thought we were going to get to play with each other, and then seeing a decision that is basically trying to shoot down the hard work and discredit this kid, who, at the end of the day I mean he’s coming to work every day and he’s busting his butt and he’s going to practice.”

Nov 2, 2019; Jacksonville, FL, USA;Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Cade Mays (77) works out prior to the game at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Smith mentioned that “the people making this decision are just sitting in the meeting room just drinking coffee and looking at the paper.”

The NCAA has granted eligibility to be frozen for all student-athletes during the 2020 college football season even if players participate in competition.

“It is really asinine to say the least, and we are talking about a season where eligibility doesn’t even matter and you are not going to clear this kid,” Smith said questioning the NCAA. “So, at the end of the day we can only focus on what we can focus on and control what we control.

“The people eating and drinking in meeting rooms that don’t want to clear this kid who is busting his butt, sweating, bleeding and getting hit on the field consistently, then that’s their choice, but do right by a kid who is trying to do right and bust his butt every day. That is how I look at it.”

Oct 5, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Cade Mays (77) talks with Tennessee Volunteers tight end Jacob Warren (87) after a game at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports

The 6-foot-6, 328-pound Mays competed in 25 games for Georgia (2018-19), starting 18 contests.

In 2019, Mays started six games at right guard, two at right tackle, two at left guard and at left tackle in the Sugar Bowl.

2021 NFL Draft: Bears land offensive lineman in new mock draft

The Chicago Bears address the offensive line in this latest 2021 NFL Mock Draft

The Chicago Bears are 1-0 after defeating the Detroit Lions, 27-23, in a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback led by quarterback Mitch Trubisky.

It was a great way to jumpstart a season with undefined expectations. Unlike last year, when the Bears were considered one of the NFC’s top contenders, their regression in 2019 has this team searching for an identity.

Was their 12-4 season in 2018 more indicative of this club’s upside, or was 2019’s 8-8 finish who the Bears really are?

It’s hard to tell, even after Week 1’s victory. There probably are just as many fans looking ahead to next year’s draft class as there are who are saving their money for playoff tickets.

Either way, one thing remains consistent in franchise-building regardless of the success or failures a team enjoys or endures: the NFL Draft.

The NFL draft landscape changes from week to week as teams move up and down the standings. It’s fun — and worthwhile — to keep tabs on which players are on the rise and which ones are falling, and who could potentially be in the Bears’ crosshairs at any given time in the draft process.

According to the latest mock draft from the Draft Wire, Chicago will focus its attention on the offensive line in the first round. In this mock, the Bears pick No. 15 overall and select Tennessee interior offensive lineman, Trey Smith.

“No matter who is throwing passes for the Bears next year, upgrading the offensive line has to be a priority in the offseason,” wrote Luke Easterling. “This may seem a bit early for Smith, but his experience at tackle and the ability to slide inside to guard if needed would make him an ideal fit for Chicago here. He’s a punishing blocker who has been tested against some of the nation’s top pass rushers.”

It’s too soon to say for sure whether offensive line will become Chicago’s biggest draft priority because let’s face it, there’s that pesky issue at quarterback still unsettled.

If Mitch Trubisky doesn’t establish himself as the future of the franchise this season, the Bears will be in the quarterback market in 2021’s first round.

There’s also the potential for Germain Ifedi to earn himself a second contract with the Bears if he plays well this year. His 2020 season didn’t get off to a great start, however, as his 61.6 grade from Pro Football Focus ranked fourth among Chicago’s offensive linemen and 13th overall on offense (out of 17 players with at least five snaps in the game).

Steelers land franchise tackle in new ESPN mock draft

Check out the Steelers pick in this new ESPN mock draft.

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When the Pittsburgh Steelers go on the clock in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft they will have some significant decisions to make based on free agency. The Steelers stand to lose several players when free agency starts and will have very little salary cap space to replace them.

Having said that, in the new ESPN 2021 mock draft, they have Pittsburgh going a little off-script in terms of need but making a very safe, Steelers-like pick.

They have Pittsburgh taking Tennessee offensive tackle Trey Smith with the No. 22 overall pick. Here’s what they had to say about the selection.

Pittsburgh could go in a lot of different directions with this pick, including edge rushing, defensive tackle, linebacker, safety or running back. Quarterback is not out of the question either. But zero starting offensive linemen are under contract beyond the 2021 season. Both tackles are actually hitting free agency after the 2020 season, though Smith is better projected at guard in the NFL. Smith is a plug-and-play starter who could be a long-term replacement at left guard for Stefen Wisniewski, with the versatility to move around, despite a bit of injury history to consider.

I love Smith as a prospect. Despite what Todd McShay says, I think he has future as an elite right tackle. He might not have an immediate spot in the starting line like some other positions would but make no mistake, Smith is going to be a starter in this league for a very long time.

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Athlon Sports names Tennessee lineman as preseason All-American

Athlon Sports names Tennessee lineman as preseason All-American.

Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith has been named a preseason All-American by Athlon Sports, going into his senior year in Knoxville.

Smith surprised many when he passed up the NFL Draft and announced his return to college. He is expected to be one of the top offensive lineman taken in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The former five-star prospect from Jackson, Tennessee, has played the majority of his career at right guard for the Vols, and he will be one of the anchors of a unit that could be one of the best in the country.

Trey Smith will be honored by Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame

Trey Smith will be honored by Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame.

KNOXVILLE — Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith is set to receive the Pat Summitt Ignite Greatness Award.

Smith started 12 games at left guard in 2019 for the Vols.

He started the first seven games at left tackle in 2018 before being shut down for the rest of the season due to blood clots. As a freshman in 2017, Smith started the first eight games at right guard, three contests at left tackle and the season-finale at left guard.

UT press release:

Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith added another accolade to an illustrious Vol career, as the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame announced he will be presented with the Pat Summitt Ignite Greatness Award at the 39th Annual Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

The induction ceremony is set for Thursday, July 21, and will air on WBXX-TV in Knoxville. The event’s guest speaker is Charles Davis, VFL and analyst for the NFL on CBS.

“I’m extremely thankful to accept the Pat Summitt Ignite Greatness Award,” Smith said. “I take a lot of pride being a Tennessean. My sister was a manager with Coach Summitt’s team, and I grew up watching her teams as well. To receive an award in Coach Summitt’s name is just a tremendous honor. I appreciate the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame for this incredible recognition.”

Smith, a native of Jackson, Tennessee, has established himself as an All-America and national honors candidate. The owner of 31 career starts, Smith elected to come back for his senior season to obtain his degree, improve his draft stock and continue to lead the program back to national prominence.

Smith garnered first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors in 2019, appearing in all 13 games with 12 starts and leading the Vols on a six-game winning streak and a victory over Indiana in the Gator Bowl. Off the field, Smith has been a leader in the community. He was named the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year and was the inaugural recipient of the Fritz Pollard Trophy, given to the collegiate player who has exemplified extraordinary courage, community values and exceptional performance on the field.

The Pat Summitt Ignite Greatness Award was established in 2012 when the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame presented the award to its namesake, legendary coach Pat Summitt. To ignite greatness is to believe that every person has limitless potential that we must discover, ignite and foster. No one better exemplifies this idea than Summitt.

Past Tennessee Vol recipients of the award include: Tamika Catchings (2013), Inky Johnson (2014), Jason Witten (2015), Eric Berry (2016), Gus Manning (2018) and Peyton Manning (2019).

Trey Smith to receive Pat Summitt Ignite Courage Award

Trey Smith to receive Pat Summitt Ignite Courage Award.

KNOXVILLE — University of Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith will be honored by the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame.

Smith, a senior for the Volunteers, will receive the Pat Summitt Ignite Greatness Award at the hall’s 39th Annual Induction Ceremony, which is presented by First Horizon and scheduled for July 31.

Smith played high school football at University School of Jackson under current Grace Christian Academy and former Christian Academy of Knoxville head coach Rusty Bradley.

The Tennessee senior was an All-Southeastern Conference standout in 2019.

He missed time during his sophomore year due to blood clots and returned in 2019 to help the Big Orange go 8-5 and win the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against Indiana.

The Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame established the award in 2012 and Summitt was the first person to receive the award.

Past winners also include former Tennessee Lady Vol basketball player Tamika Catchings, UT football player Inky Johnson, Farragut High School football coach Eddie Courtney, VFL and Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning and longtime athletic administrator Gus Manning.

Cade Mays, Trey Smith rated as top 31 players for 2021 NFL Draft

2021 NFL Draft.

KNOXVILLE — Tennessee will have an experienced offensive line unit in 2020.

The Vols will be led by senior Trey Smith and junior Cade Mays.

Cade Mays
Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Mays transferred from Georgia to Tennessee in January and will need an NCAA waiver to play immediately during the 2020 season.

The 6-foot-6, 328-pound Mays competed in 25 games for the Bulldogs (2018-19), starting 18 contests.

In 2019, Mays started six games at right guard, two at right tackle, two at left guard and at left tackle in the Sugar Bowl.

Trey Smith
Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Smith also made his announcement in January for the 2020 campaign, electing to return to Tennessee for a senior season.

The 6-foot-6, 335-pound Smith started 12 games at left guard in 2019 for the Vols.

He started the first seven games at left tackle in 2018 before being shut down for the rest of the season due to blood clots. As a freshman in 2017, Smith started the first eight games at right guard, three contests at left tackle and the season-finale at left guard.

Draftsite.com currently has Mays rated as the 26th overall player for the 2021 NFL Draft. Smith is ranked 31st overall for next year’s draft.

Mel Kiper Jr. releases latest 2021 NFL Draft ranking for Trey Smith

Mel Kiper Jr. releases latest 2021 NFL Draft ranking for Trey Smith.

KNOXVILLE – Offensive lineman Trey Smith announced his decision to return to Tennessee for his senior season in January.

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN NFL and college football draft analyst, has Smith ranked as the second overall guard in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Mel Kiper Jr.’s Top 5 Guards – 2021 NFL Draft

1. Wyatt Davis, Ohio State
2. Trey Smith, Tennessee
3. Deonte Brown, Alabama
4. Jack Anderson, Texas Tech
5. Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC

Smith started 12 games at left guard in 2019 for the Vols.

He started the first seven games at left tackle in 2018 before being shut down for the rest of the season due to blood clots. As a freshman in 2017, Smith started the first eight games at right guard, three contests at left tackle and the season-finale at left guard.

Trey Smith named as Tennessee Co-Amateur Male Athlete of the Year by Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame

Trey Smith named as Tennessee Co-Amateur Male Athlete of the Year by Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

NASHVILLE — Tennessee senior offensive lineman Try Smith has been named as the Tennessee Co-Amateur Male Athlete of the Year by the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

Trey Smith
Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

UT press release:

Tennessee Vol offensive guard Trey Smith has been tabbed as the Tennessee Co-Amateur Male Athlete of the Year, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame announced on Wednesday.

Smith shared the honor with Vanderbilt baseball’s Kumar Rocker. The awards are scheduled to be formally presented as part of the Hall of Fame’s annual induction ceremony on Aug. 1 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Smith is the first Tennessee football player to receive the award since Eric Berry won it three years in a row from 2008-10.

Smith, a native of Jackson, Tennessee, has established himself as one of the greatest offensive linemen in Vol history. The owner of 31 career starts, Smith elected to come back for his senior season to obtain his degree, improve his draft stock and continue to lead the program back to national prominence.

Smith garnered first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors in 2019, appearing in all 13 games with 12 starts and leading the Vols on a six-game winning streak and a victory over Indiana in the Gator Bowl. Off the field, Smith has been a leader in the community. He was named the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year and was the inaugural recipient of the Fritz Pollard Trophy, given to the collegiate player who has exemplified extraordinary courage, community values and exceptional performance on the field.

This is the fifth straight year in which a Tennessee student-athlete has captured at least a share of the TSHF’s Male Amateur Athlete of the Year, as men’s basketball’s Grant Williams (2019, 2018) and sprinter Christian Coleman (2017, 2016) each won the honor in back-to-back years.

Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame honors figures from every sport including basketball, baseball, football, golf, soccer and track & field, along with coaches, teams, sports writers and others who made an impact. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development oversees all operations along with the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors.