Tag: Trey Smith

Trey Smith named Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year

Trey Smith named Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year.

FRISCO — Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith was named the 2020 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Tuesday night in Frisco, Texas.

The award signifies leadership, courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field annually to a Division I college football player.

UT press release:

Tennessee junior offensive lineman Trey Smith was named the 2020 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year by a subset of the award’s Board of Directors on Tuesday night at the Star in Frisco, the practice facility of the Dallas Cowboys.

The Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award is presented annually to the Division I college football player who has demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.

Smith was selected from a group of three finalists that included Air Force senior quarterback Isaiah Sanders and Southern California senior wide receiver Michael Pittman.

“It’s truly an honor to be recognized as the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year, especially knowing what other great football leaders the other finalists are,” said Smith, who was accompanied by his sister Ashley Smith, UT athletics director Phillip Fulmer, Vols head coach Jeremy Pruitt and other members of the football staff. “It’s humbling and I’m so thankful for the continued support of my family, coaches and the University of Tennessee, who are always in my corner.”

The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player’s leadership, both on and off the field. Leadership is a term synonymous with Tennessee alum Jason Witten, who, in addition to becoming one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport and the Cowboys’ all-time leading receiver, has served as one of football’s most prominent role models during his 16-year pro career.

In addition to the award, Smith will also receive a $10,000 contribution in his name to his school’s athletic scholarship fund. The contribution will be made by Jason Witten’s SCORE Foundation, the official charity of Jason and his wife Michelle.

“It’s really cool that earning this award will also benefit the athletics department and the other student-athletes that are a part of the amazing Volunteers family,” Smith said. “It makes it even more special that Jason Witten is a VFL and set the standard for so many in terms of on-the-field and off-the-field leadership and community service.”

Smith started 12 games at left guard in 2019 en route to All-SEC First Team honors from the coaches and media. He was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week twice this fall. After missing the final five games of the 2018 season and a comeback to football questionable due to complications stemming from blood clots, Smith returned to his dominant ways and spearheaded Tennessee’s six-game win streak to end the season. SEC Network analyst and offensive line expert Cole Cubelic named Smith to his All-America First Team.

“I’m glad to be continuing my journey in Knoxville,” the 6-6 lineman said. “We have unfinished business on the field, but I’m also excited to still be involved with our community and help out and hopefully make an impact where I can.”

The Jackson, Tenn., native continued his commitment to the community even during a busy football season. Smith is an active speaker to youth groups, elementary schools and organizations across the state and led coat drives for Knoxville Area Rescue Ministry (KARM) during the 2018 and 2019 seasons where over 1,000 coats were donated each year because of his efforts.

During Superbowl LIV week, Smith was also awarded with the Fritz Pollard Trophy at the 15th annual Johnnie L. Cochran Foundation Jr. Salute to Excellence Awards, hosted by the Fritz Pollard Alliance in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The Fritz Pollard Trophy honors a college player who has exemplified extraordinary courage, community values, and exceptional performance on the field.

A way-too-early preview of Tennessee’s 2020 offensive line

A way-too-early preview of Tennessee’s 2020 offensive line.

After a strong end to the 2019 season, in which Tennessee’s offensive line helped the Vols rush for 552 yards and five touchdowns while only allowing one sack in the final three games, the unit entered the offseason with plenty of momentum.

Even with the outgoing transfers of contributors Ryan Johnson and Marcus Tatum, along with the assumed departure of starting left guard Trey Smith to the NFL Draft, the offensive line was poised to be a strength for Tennessee in 2020.

Then, the unexpected happened. Not only did Smith announce his return for his senior season, but Georgia offensive lineman Cade Mays, a former Tennessee commit and Tennessee legacy, abruptly declared he would transfer from Athens to Knoxville for his junior year.

Pending an immediate eligibility waiver, Mays’ lawyer says he is “highly confident” his client will play next season. With Mays’ immediate eligibility, the Vols could potentially have four former 5-stars and a 4-star starting on the offensive line in 2020.

Suddenly, offensive line coach Will Friend has an embarrassment of riches to develop up front.

Smith will be back at left guard, and could play his way into a first round draft grade in his senior season. Arguably the most talented player on Tennessee’s roster, Smith’s battle with blood clots has been well-documented, and was often cited as a reason why most believed he would declare early for the draft. Tennessee put him on a program that held him out of contact in practice throughout the season, and Smith ended 2019 as a first team All-SEC player. Smith believes another complete season at Tennessee could ease NFL scouts’ concern that his health could terminate his career early, and the Vols will benefit greatly from that decision.

Not only does Tennessee return a complete mauler up front as one of the best offensive linemen in the country, but also a leader in the locker room and a fixture in the Knoxville community.

If Mays is immediately eligible this season, the Vols will have the benefit of an experienced, talented and versatile lineman that would have been a sure-fire starter for the Bulldogs in 2020. It seems as though right guard could be the best fit for Mays in Knoxville, but the rising junior started at four different positions along the Georgia offensive line during his two seasons in Athens.

At center, Tennessee received another boost when Brandon Kennedy announced he was granted a sixth year of eligibility on a medical hardship after missing nearly all of 2018 with a torn ACL. The only offensive lineman to start every game at the same position for Tennessee in 2019, the Alabama transfer and former 4-star prospect will bring a veteran presence at one of the most important positions on the field.

The rising sophomore duo of Wanya Morris and Darnell Wright will also return, and are expected to bookend the left and right tackle spots when the Vols kick off 2020 against Charlotte in Neyland Stadium. Morris started 12 games in 2019 and finished the season strong, earning several freshman All-America honors and being named to the Freshman All-SEC team while showcasing his natural ability, particularly as a pass blocker.

Wright came to campus in the summer, and was not as much of a staple as Morris, making six starts at right tackle all season. The former 5-star did join Morris on the Freshman All-SEC list however, and will be expected to make big strides in the lead-up to 2020 with his 6-foot-6, 330-pound frame.

Rising redshirt junior K’Rojhn Calbert and redshirt senior Jahmir Johnson bring experience and depth at both tackle spots, and are both players Tennessee’s staff will trust to step in. Make no mistake, however, all eyes will be on Wright and Morris to become All-SEC caliber players in 2020.

Rising junior Jerome Carvin started the final seven games for Tennessee in 2019, and could be penciled in as the starter at right guard if Mays is ruled ineligible. Carvin could shift over as a backup at center for Kennedy as well, and the Memphis native will be a key part of this unit’s depth. Riley Locklear is another member of the line with starting experience at different positions playing out his senior season in 2020.

Another legacy in Jackson Lampley, the son of former Vol Brad Lampley, redshirted in 2019 while appearing in two games. The former 4-star Nashville native could be called upon to add depth in 2020, along with Chris Akporoghene, Kingston Harris and Ollie Lane.

Tennessee brings in a crop of newcomers to build for the future, and it remains to be seen how the young players fit into the 2020 rotation, especially after the news of Smith and Mays this offseason.

Cooper Mays, the younger brother of Cade, is the only offensive lineman on campus as an early-enrollee. A 4-star out of Knoxville Catholic, Mays was a key member of Tennessee’s 2020 class. 6-foot-3, 338-pound guard Javontez Spraggins will join Tennessee in the summer, along with 6-foot-4, 323-pound guard James Robinson from Montgomery, Ala.

Tennessee returns all of its running backs in 2020, and has a crowded quarterback room going into spring football to play behind Friend’s unit. For the first time in the Jeremy Pruitt era, the offensive line is arguably the most secure, experienced and talented unit on the offense.

Trey Smith named inaugural Fritz Pollard Trophy winner

Trey Smith named inaugural Fritz Pollard Trophy winner.

KNOXVILLE — Junior offensive lineman Trey Smith announced that he is returning to the University of Tennessee for his senior season in 2020.

Smith’s announcement came on Jan. 9.

The upcoming senior in 2020 will be honored with the inaugural Fritz Pollard Trophy at the 15th annual Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. Salute to Excellence Awards on Jan. 3.

The event will take place at the Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in conjunction with Super Bowl LIV.

The 6-foot-6, 325-pound Jackson, Tenn. native has played in 32 games for the Vols since 2017. He started 12 games at left guard in 2019, earning All-SEC First Team honors from the coaches and media.

Smith and Tennessee will return to action Sept. 5 against Charlotte inside Neyland Stadium to kickoff the 2020 season.

Vols’ way-too-early 2020 preview: Running backs

2020 Tennessee football.

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KNOXVILLE — Tennessee football already has plenty of momentum in 2020, after a Gator Bowl victory and the news of Trey Smith’s return and Cade Mays’ transfer.

Although Mays still awaits his appeal to be eligible in 2020, there likely is not a position group happier about the prospect of having Smith and Mays play on the same offensive line than the running backs. Since Jeremy Pruitt arrived in Knoxville, it has been a running back-by-committee approach. In 2019 Eric Gray, Ty Chandler and Tim Jordan carried the load, and the Vols often stuck with whoever had the hot hand.

By the conclusion of the season, there is no doubt it was the true freshman Gray.

The Memphis, Tenn. native finished with 539 yards and four touchdowns on 101 carries, largely helped by a 25 carry, 246-yard, three touchdown performance in the regular season finale against Vanderbilt. Gray wasn’t finished, closing out the season as the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl MVP, rushing for 86 yards and one touchdown on 14 carries during the Vols’ 23-22 win over Indiana.

Chandler and Jordan played a large role for the Vols, as well. Chandler led all rushers with 655 yards and three touchdowns on 135 carries. Jordan gathered 428 yards and a score on 101 carries. Both Chandler and Jordan will play out their final season of eligibility in 2020.

All three players will return for Tennessee, but most eyes will be on Gray. The rising sophomore’s elusiveness, vision and speed gives him the potential to be a star in the Tennessee backfield in the coming years. When he was able to get out in space, his ability to make defenders miss was on full display, particularly in the latter part of the 2019 season.

The Vols will certainly have to rely on their two seniors, especially when it comes to pass protection and pass-catching. Jordan provides a more physical, between-the-tackles presence, while Chandler has similar tendencies to Gray, and brings back the most production out of any of Tennessee’s running backs with the most experience catching passes out of the backfield.

Carlin Fils-aime will also return to provide depth in 2020 for his redshirt senior year, after only playing three games in 2019.

Two — possibly even three — new faces could be added to the running backs room in 2020. Jabari Small, another Memphis native, joins Tennessee as the No. 11 all-purpose-back in the 247 Sports Composite.

A Knoxville native, Tee Hodge comes to Tennessee as a key cog in the 2020 recruiting cycle out of high school football powerhouse Maryville.

“Tee Hodge is a guy that we targeted early on,” said Pruitt during the Early Signing Period. “He came to one of the first camps that we had here, another guy that’s a part of a state championship team.

“He’s a big guy, loves Tennessee, wanted to be here. He’s been a core guy in this class helping recruit, committed and never wavered the whole time.”

Hodge is a punishing runner, and a three-star prospect who held offers from several different Power 5 programs. He is used to winning, something Pruitt has made clear is important to his staff in evaluating players.

The local product won two state championships in his time at Maryville, and lost a total of four games.

Finally, the Vols added Len’Neth Whitehead, rated a four-star inside linebacker out of Athens, Ga. on the 247 Sports Composite. Whitehead played both linebacker and running back in high school, but has made it clear he wants to be on the offensive side of the ball at the next level.

Tennessee will likely give him a chance to compete at tailback, but don’t be surprised to see Whitehead stay on defense in 2020.

Another notable addition to Tennessee’s running backs room has yet to be made, as Pruitt is on the search for running backs coach David Johnson‘s replacement. Johnson is joining Mike Norvell’s staff at Florida State.

No matter who comes in as the position coach, Tennessee returns an experienced, deep and talented unit in 2020 that will hope to reap the benefits of a vastly improved offensive line.

A way-too-early preview of Tennessee’s 2020 quarterback battle

2020 Tennessee football.

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KNOXVILLE — After a six-game winning streak capped off by an improbable comeback win over Indiana in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, Tennessee finished the 2019 season at 8-5, something that seemed unthinkable after an 0-2 start with losses to Georgia State and BYU.

Since that Gator Bowl victory and the turn of the new year, the news cycle has been kind to Tennessee. Suddenly, with the news of Trey Smith returning and Cade Mays’ transfer, the Vols are primed to have one of the most talented offensive lines in the SEC in 2020 along with multiple key contributors returning on both sides of the ball.

There are few things slowing down the hype train that will carry into Jeremy Pruitt’s third season at the helm in Knoxville. There is one question, however, that could derail that train and leave fans with doubts going into 2020.

Who gets the start at quarterback for Tennessee?

Much-maligned upcoming redshirt senior Jarrett Guarantano announced on his Twitter account Tuesday night that he will return for his final year of eligibility, slamming the door shut on rumors of his transfer.

 

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Guarantano’s announcement leaves Tennessee with five scholarship quarterbacks heading into spring ball.

Also returning are sophomore Brian Maurer, redshirt sophomore JT Shrout, redshirt sophomore Maryland transfer Kasim Hill, and freshman early-enrollee Harrison Bailey.

While many Tennessee fans already have their sights set on Bailey, a blue-chip recruit out of Marietta, Ga., taking over the reigns immediately, that scenario is far from certain. While it is possible Bailey comes in and takes command of the job, make no mistake. As of right now, this is Jarrett Guarantano’s team.

Dubbed the sixth man by his teammates, Guarantano’s poor play at the early onset of the season was a huge reason for the Vols’ miserable start, but he battled back from being benched and led Tennessee down the stretch, throwing for 1,247 yards and eight touchdowns with four interceptions in the last six games. While those numbers don’t jump off the page, they were, however, instrumental in Tennessee’s turnaround.

It seems as though Guarantano plays his best when doubts about his ability are at their highest. Going into Pruitt’s first season in 2018, there hardly seemed to be any separation between Guarantano and Keller Chryst in the quarterback battle. Guarantano ultimately won the job and played well, despite spending most of the season on his back behind a porous offensive line.

To start 2019, Guarantano was Tennessee’s unquestioned starter. Pruitt publicly backed him all offseason, going as far as calling him the only starter penciled in before the season-opener against Georgia State.

Then the season started, and Tennessee’s quarterback looked like a deer in the headlights, throwing four interceptions and taking seven sacks in the first four games, prompting a benching for true freshman Brian Maurer.

While Maurer did provide a spark, he was unable to stay on the field with multiple concussions, and Guarantano was forced back into the lineup, playing well enough to help Tennessee to a 7-1 finish to the season.

Even in the Gator Bowl, which appeared to be a microcosm of Tennessee’s season, Guarantano faced a rough start, including a pick six early in the second half. Benched for one series, he came back in and made the throws he needed to make down the stretch to allow Tennessee to win, 23-22.

In the upcoming offseason, Guarantano will not only be in the same offensive system for consecutive seasons for the first time in his career, but he will have four different players competing to take his starting job.

Brian Maurer appeared in eight games for Tennessee, and threw for 541 yards, two touchdowns and five interceptions. JT Shrout was instrumental in the win over South Carolina, coming in for the injured Guarantano and going 7 for 11 with 122 yards and a touchdown on a beautifully-thrown deep ball to Marquez Callaway.

Harrison Bailey comes in as the promising freshman, rated the No. 4 pro-style quarterback by the 247 Sports Composite, fresh off of leading his Marietta High School team to a 7A Georgia state title.

Finally, Maryland transfer Kasim Hill enters the offseason as the unknown wild card of the group. A former four-star recruit, Hill passed for 1,083 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions in ten games for Maryland in 2018, and sat 2019 out at Tennessee as an ineligible transfer, primarily serving as a scout team quarterback for the Vols.

It’s hard to envision all five players still being on Tennessee’s roster by the end of the season, and we may not even know the starter until the Vols take the field to open the season against Charlotte on Sept. 5.

As of this moment, Guarantano is Tennessee’s starting quarterback. If he is still the starter in September, it will not be due to a lack of options. It will be because he gives the Vols the best chance to win.

In the words of Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt: “One thing I figured out a long time ago, you better keep signing quarterbacks until you got one.

“Because if you don’t have one, it’s going to be hard to win a game.”

Everything Trey Smith said in announcing 2020 return

Trey Smith to return for senior season.

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KNOXVILLE — Junior offensive lineman Trey Smith announced that he is returning to the University of Tennessee for his senior season in 2020.

The 6-foot-6, 325-pound Jackson, Tenn. native has played in 32 games for the Vols since 2017.

Below is a transcript of Smith’s announcement to return to UT.

Opening Statement:
“First and foremost, I want to give all the honor, praise and glory to God for allowing me to be here in this situation. I want to thank you all for coming out today. I have a long list of thanks before I begin.

“I want to thank my family and friends for being by my side. I want to thank coach Mickey Marley, coach (Nick) Stamper, coach (Jim) Hardegree, coach (Bryce) King, the Bradley’s and Artis Hicks for helping me in high school and seeing potential in my abilities. I want to thank coach (Jeremy) Pruitt, coach (Phillip) Fulmer, coach (Will) Friend, coach (Craig) Fitzgerald, coach Mike Farrell, coach Cameron Clemmons and the entire coaching staff for their wisdom, guidance and support. I want to give a special thanks to Dr. (Chris) Klenck, Jeronimo Boche, Jason McVeigh and the entire medical staff at the University of Tennessee. I want to thank all of my teammates from past and present, who I’ve grinded with (and) struggled with while playing football. I want to thank all of Vol Nation for the continual love and support for not only myself but also my entire team throughout the years.

“My story begins in West Tennessee in a city named Jackson. Ever since I was a child, I’ve dreamt of playing SEC football. I used to pray and ask God he would make me 6-5 so I would be big enough to play the game I love. Fast forward my sophomore year in football, and now I was 6-5 and big enough to play the game that I love. Shortly after I began receiving offers to play division one football, I received numerous scholarships to major SEC universities. Life was great. Everything was great. However, the stark reality of life struck at an early age. My mother, Dorsetta Smith, fell sick and died soon after, which completely crushed my world. From that point since, I’ve been on a mission to fulfill my promise to her. I had to decide what institution was for me. Ultimately, I had to choose home. I fell in love with this university. From watching Jauan (Jennings) score the game winner at UGA, to breaking the streak in Neyland against Florida, when it was time to sign my papers and make a decision, I knew my home was in the state of Tennessee at the University of Tennessee. Tennessee is where I was raised, where I belong. I arrived on campus a wide-eyed freshman, nervous, anxious, about the task I faced. I played well my first year. However, adversity struck. I was diagnosed with blood clots in 2017 near the end of the season. I fought back again and had another setback in 2018. I persevered and came back this season and fought for everything I could. Now, as we sit here today, I’m faced with a life-changing decision. You see, when my mom was sick, I promised her I would receive my degree and diploma and I would play in the NFL one day. I want to be 100 percent sure of my decision. With that being said, I will honor my mother, Dorsetta Smith. I’ve made up my mind and don’t expect to ever look back. I’m going to stay at the University of Tennessee.”

On how difficult of a decision it was to return for his senior season:
“I think I left some money on the field, some would say. There are many things I can increase and get better at, be a lot more consistent on my game. I want to attack those areas and be better.”

On how much he relied on his family when making his decision:
“We’re a spiritual family. We took a lot of time to pray and think about it. We did our proper research to make sure it was the right decision. We came together and made a decision.”

On if playing in his senior season will give NFL teams more to look at:
“Yes, absolutely. I think it will.”

On when he knew this was the right move for him:
“Just thinking about it. We sent my film off and got it evaluated by the college advising board. They recommended that I came back. After thoughtful prayer and consideration, I decided it was the best option.”

On if he had a certain number, in terms of NFL draft projection, that he needed to hear from the NFL that would have convinced him to enter the draft:
“I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a number. You just want your stock to be as high as it can be. I just feel like, as a player, I have a lot more things that I need to fix in order to get at a higher level, play the game the way I know I can play.”

On if there is a plan for him to get back on the practice field, ahead of next season:
“We have a great plan here at the University of Tennessee. We have a great medical staff. Talking with Doctor Klenck, we have a great plan. Anything he feels comfortable with, we’re going to stick to it.”

On if he spoke with teammates before his announcement:
“I didn’t really tell anybody the truth. I just left them in the grey a little bit.”

On where he believes he can improve his game during his senior season:“Where do I start? Balance, body control, over-extension, being too aggressive at times, which I think is just a timing thing. I’ve just got to play the game under control. Sometimes I get really over aggressive and just want to kill everybody when I’m out there. It’s playing with controlled violence.”

On how close he is to graduating:
“I should be able to graduate in May.”

On if he spoke to Peyton Manning or anyone else that went through a similar situation, while making this decision:
“I just think it’s sort of a different situation. It’s my decision at the end of the day. It’s going to be my life, so I felt like I could rely on the information I was getting. I was confident in it and I’m confident in my abilities. I had a good plan, a proper plan to come back better.”

On when he made the final decision, and if he thought about it during the bowl game process:
“I was thinking about it the whole time, honestly. Just making decisions, when people know what they’re talking about, together, we made a better decision and a conclusion, essentially.”

On if the team’s success down the stretch of this season impacted his decision to return for his final season with the Vols:
“I wouldn’t say it impacted me, but I definitely want to be a part of it. We’re building something special here at Tennessee. I believe in this coaching staff. I believe in the players we have coming. We’re building something special. We have unfinished business this next season.”

On if he is at peace now that the decision is out of the way:
“Yes. I am definitely relieved. I can go back to hiding now. I can chill out and get my body better to get ready for the season.”

On if it was tough to go through this process:
“I just tried to put my mind off it for a little bit. I just played some NCAA games at Riley Locklear’s house and chilled out pretty much.”

On him quoting Peyton Manning and when he decided to do that:
“When I made my decision on coming back, I wanted to pay homage to the GOAT. That is how we do it here. He is one of the best to ever play obviously. I just wanted to bring that little piece of legacy and bring that back to Tennessee.”

On why coming back to school was the biggest promise he made to his mom:
“In the end, I didn’t get my degree yet. If I did make the decision to go to the NFL, I thought when I was done playing, I would come back the day after to come get my degree. It is just one of the things she emphasized while growing up. I have to get an education. It is something nobody can ever take away from me. That is something that has always stuck with me. It is one of my goals in life – to get an education, get my degree and play in the NFL.”

On what his degree will be in:
“Sport management.”

On what he thinks his mom would say to him today:
“She would be proud. She would be really proud. She would be nervous with all the medical stuff, but she would be very proud.”

On if he feels like he answered some questions that the NFL would’ve had:
“Yes. There are still some questions. Obviously, you want to leave when your stock is highest. There are a lot of concerns, so in my mind it wasn’t a good decision (to leave for the NFL). I am going to stay this year to improve myself and worth and prove that my health is good. That is ultimately why I decided for my family.”

On how much he thinks he can improve his stock:
“I think one of the reasons why I came back is because I didn’t play as well as I wanted to this year. I think I left a lot on the table and made a lot of mistakes and a lot of bad plays. I want to stay consistent. I could have 20 plays that I am on somebody, but on about five I am getting beat. I am on the ground or losing balance. In my mind that is not a good game. That is not where I want to be in that level of play.”

On what the plan will be this year to improve his stock now that he knows how to manage his health:
“To get my body at the best level and best it has ever been. Make sure I am losing weight and eating correctly and getting stronger in every facet that I can. I think the main piece that we are missing is the mental process and just staying in the film room and meeting with coach Jim Chaney. This will be the first year I will be in the system on offense for two years in a row. That is a big benefit and plus. We will see where that leads. At the beginning of the season, I was still trying to figure out what to do on plays and relying on Brandon Kennedy as a crutch a lot of times. This year I am coming in and I can make the clearance as well. It is just a development thing. Just like coach Pruitt mentioned. It is just a developmental position and it is a mental process. It just has to be that much higher.”

On if he was able to find out if the medical plan here at UT would’ve been the same in the NFL:
“Essentially it would be the same plan. Whatever team decides (to draft me), if that opportunity presents itself, that (plan) is what I would go through with. Once again, this year is going to prove myself. Just speaking of that, it is one of those things that we will cross the bridge when we get there.”

On if he told any of his teammates about his decision:
“I really don’t think so.”

On if he told his teammates that he wouldn’t tell anybody his decision:
“Yeah. Pretty much everybody didn’t know. The people that knew were the immediate people that helped me. I wanted to give a special thanks to them, because without them this would be very hard.”

On how much this decision weighed on him throughout the season:
“Not at all. My high school coach, Mickey Marley, was a wise man. He is a great figure in my life. When I was getting recruited in high school, he used to tell me to not worry about all that stuff because I still had to play on Friday night. So why would I worry about the NFL on Sundays when I am still playing on Saturdays? That is the sort of mentality I always got from him. Worry about what is in front of you, a fool is going to only worry about the future and not what is in front of you in the present.”

On when he was able to finally come to a decision:
“About three or four days ago is when I officially decided, I guess. I wanted to come back here and be great. I want to leave a legacy at Tennessee. I love this university and I love the people. But coming back it was ultimately a business decision. You have to take that into account. It is business at that level.”

*Provided by UT

Tennessee OL Trey Smith returning for senior season

Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith is returning to school for his senior season

One of the top offensive linemen prospects in the country is returning to school for his senior season.

Tennessee’s Trey Smith is passing up the 2020 NFL draft to play his senior season for the Volunteers. Smith made the announcement via press conference Thursday.

Widely regarded as a potential top-64 pick in the 2020 draft class, Smith’s decision to return for his senior season will give him a chance to refine his game and boost his draft stock even further. A strong performance in 2020 could see him enter the first-round pick conversation heading into the 2021 NFL draft.

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Trey Smith will return for 2020 season

Trey Smith announced that he is returning to the University of Tennessee for his senior season in 2020.

KNOXVILLE — Junior offensive lineman Trey Smith announced that he is returning to the University of Tennessee for his senior season in 2020.

Smith held a press conference Thursday at 1 p.m. ET in the Ray and Lucy Hand Studio to announce whether he will return to Tennessee in 2020 or declare for the NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-6, 325-pound Jackson, Tenn. native has played in 32 games for the Vols since 2017.

Before Smith’s announcement, Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt discussed his offensive lineman.

“I’ve had the privilege of coaching a lot of young men throughout my career and Trey Smith is as good as any I have been around,” Pruitt said.

Trey Smith set to announce 2020 decision

Trey Smith set to announce 2020 decision.

KNOXVILLE — Junior offensive lineman Trey Smith is set to make a decision regarding his 2020 senior season.

Smith will hold a press conference Thursday at 1 p.m. ET to announce whether he will return to Tennessee in 2020 or declare for the NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-6, 325-pound Jackson, Tenn. native has played in 32 games for the Vols since 2017.

University of Tennessee statement:

Tennessee football offensive lineman Trey Smith will hold a press conference to announce a decision on his future on Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Ray & Lucy Hand Digital Studio. Tennessee football head coach Jeremy Pruitt will also participate in the press conference.

Tennessee kicks off bowl practice in Jacksonville

2020 Gator Bowl.

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JACKSONVILLE — Tennessee took part in its first bowl practice in Jacksonville, Fla.

The Vols will play Indiana Jan. 2 at 7 p.m. ET in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.

“We had nine really good days before we came down, really before the Christmas break,” Jeremy Pruitt said. “We got a lot of work in, a lot of physical work in, so it was good for our guys.

“We kind of kept the practices short and had a lot of competition with the ones, twos, and threes. The guys responded the right way. We really spent the last two days working on Indiana. We’ve had good work there too.”

Pruitt also discussed the meaning of the contest against Indiana and the outcome of the matchup heading into the offseason.

“The last five games we have played really well,” the second-year UT head coach said. “Before that, we kind of started moving in the right direction. We want to finish. We are going to remember this game for a long time and we have some seniors on our team that have really worked hard to turn this program in the positive direction and we want to send these guys off the right way.”

Pruitt did mention that redshirt senior offensive lineman Brandon Kennedy is a game-time decision against the Hoosiers.

“He’s practiced a little bit the last couple of days,” Pruitt said of Kennedy. “We’ll see, it’ll really be a game-time decision.”

The Vols’ offensive line also saw Ryan Johnson and Marcus Tatum transfer this month as graduates.

“Those guys have done a good job for us – graduated and really good for our program,” Pruitt said. “It was an opportunity for them. They didn’t get to play as much as they wanted to play. They want to play.

“We had guys that had performed better this year, that gave us a better opportunity to have success and they understood that it’s part of football.”

Another element of Tennessee’s offensive line is junior Trey Smith and his future. Pruitt mentioned that the two have already discussed Smith’s future and will revisit it during the offseason.

“It’s something that we’ll sit down, when this game is over with and talk about again,” Pruitt concluded.