Five-Star Offensive Lineman Trey Smith Commits to Tennessee

The Vols got really good news today: five-star Trey Smith, the number one overall player in the ESPN 300, committed to Butch Jones and the Vols over Alabama and Ohio State on ESPNU live this afternoon.

The 6’5” offensive tackle from Jackson, TN is the #25 player in the nation in the 247 Composite. He is the 16th-highest rated recruit to choose the Vols since 2000 and the third highest-rated of the Butch Jones era, behind Kahlil McKenzie and 2018 commitment Cade Mays, another offensive lineman. He is the first five-star in Tennessee’s 2017 class, and will enroll early to be there for spring practice.

Smith’s commitment helps firm up Tennessee’s in-state recruiting and gives a big piece of positive news for Butch Jones moving forward. He will join a crowded but talented field at offensive tackle, where Brett Kendrick will be a senior and Chance Hall a junior next fall. Former four-star redshirt freshman Drew Richmond and true freshman Marcus Tatum also saw action this fall.

The 2016 Vols may have had a disappointing finish at 8-4, but Jones being able to continue to recruit at an elite level is a good sign for this program going forward. His commitment should send Tennessee’s class back into the Top 10; he becomes the fifth four-or-five-star blue chip player on board and the 24th commitment overall. Smith is a cornerstone piece for the 2017 class and a healthy sign for the Vol program at a needed time.