Pruitt: ‘Trey Smith took all the reps’ during Wednesday practice

The most talented player on Tennessee’s roster is back, officially. Offensive lineman Trey Smith was cleared for contact on Tuesday and was a full go today during practice.

The 2017 freshman All-American is expected to work at left tackle to start the season after playing right guard for the majority of last year. Head coach Jeremy Pruitt seemed pleased with where Smith is physically on Wednesday.

“I think Trey is probably excited to be out there,” Pruitt said on Wednesday. “He jumped right in there and took all of the reps. We probably limited him a little bit there just to build him up. He looks like he has doing everything except for hitting, so no real surprise there.”

The former number one rated recruit in America will only add to the offensive line, which seems to be coming along nicely near the end of camp. With Smith handling left tackle duties, it’s going to be interesting to see who wins the guard spots that are now up for grabs.

You can probably pencil in Smith at left tackle and Brandon Kennedy at center for now, but the other three spots may not be decided yet. Drew Richmond, Chance Hall and Marcus Tatum could be battling for the right tackle spot, while Riley Locklear, Jahmir Johnson, Ryan Johnson, Jerome Carvin, K’Rojhn Calbert have a shot to work at guard. Of course, Tennessee has been cross-training guys up front as a way to build depth, so the final combination for the opener will likely remain a mystery.

With Smith back at full speed, it’s hard not to be a little bit excited about this group this season. A return to a traditional under center, pro-style attack could make this rushing attack pop right off the bat in Charlotte.