Tennessee OL Trey Smith cleared to play

Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith has been cleared to play on Saturday in the opener against Georgia State. The former five-star prospect has battled back from two stints with blood clots to return to the football field.

Tennessee announced the news on Wednesday afternoon.

Smith put together a stellar freshman season before having to be shut down during the 2018 offseason. After carefully working his way back, the blood clots returned in the middle of last season. Smith has once again battled back with a carefully crafted plan put together by the Tennessee medical staff.

“This is Trey’s decision and our medical staff has done a great job throughout this entire process,” head coach Jeremy Pruitt said. “The main priority has been and always will be Trey’s health. Our doctors have implemented a plan that will allow Trey to play, and we are excited for him.”

Smith will likely kick back inside to offensive guard after spending the 2018 season at left tackle. He was listed as a co-starter on Tennessee’s initial depth chart that was released on Monday.

“My family and I consulted with several of the best doctors in the country, and a plan has been developed that allows me to compete with my teammates on gameday,” Smith said. “My family and I are confident in that plan. The coaches and staff here at Tennessee have always had my best interests at heart and I can’t thank them enough. Thanks to all of the fans and my teammates for all of their support.”

First and foremost will be his health, but a healthy Trey Smith on the offensive line is a massive boost all the way around.