Jeremy Pruitt updates the status of Trey Smith, J.J. Peterson

Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt updated the statuses of two key players for the Vols this year, rising sophomore offensive lineman Trey Smith and highly-touted freshman linebacker J.J. Peterson.

When asked if he expected incoming freshman J.J. Peterson to be available for fall practice, Pruitt responded with a simple, “absolutely.” Peterson’s arrival in Knoxville has been delayed, but it appears that things are falling into place for him to join the team soon. He is listed on Tennessee’s official 2018 roster.

“He’s got a few things he’s cleaning up,” Pruitt said of Peterson. “We’re waiting to get some information back and we expect to see him in August.”

As for Trey Smith, Pruitt is optimistic for his return. The freshman All-American might be Tennessee’s best player, but the Vols were without him this spring. That’s going to change this fall.

“Trey had a condition in the spring that kept him out of practice,” Pruitt said. “They diagnosed it, treated it and he’s gonna be back in the fall. We’re excited to have him back. I know he’s excited about coming back. He keeps talking to me about, man I missed all these reps in the spring, I said Trey, I promise you’ll be fine.”

That’s two very positive developments for Tennessee, who can’t afford to lose any talent this year.