All for Tennessee
Fansided

Tennessee football: 10 players Vols can least afford to lose for 2018

By Caleb Calhoun

COLUMBIA, MO - NOVEMBER 11: Running back Larry Rountree III #33 of the Missouri Tigers carries the ball as defensive back Nigel Warrior #18 and defensive lineman Kyle Phillips #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers defend during the game at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MO - NOVEMBER 11: Running back Larry Rountree III #33 of the Missouri Tigers carries the ball as defensive back Nigel Warrior #18 and defensive lineman Kyle Phillips #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers defend during the game at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 11
Next
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images /

He may have missed the spring due to injury. And we may have three other offensive linemen on here anyway. But Trey Smith is a crucial player for Tennessee football. He was one last year, and he’ll be one again this year.

Live Feed

Baseball 40-40 club: Which MLB players have hit 40 HRs with 40 SBs?
Baseball 40-40 club: Which MLB players have hit 40 HRs with 40 SBs? /

FanSided

  • "Horns Down" will not be a Penalty in the SEC South Bound & Down
  • Arkansas vs. LSU Prediction, Odds, Trends and Key Players for College Football Week 4 Betsided
  • UTSA vs. Tennessee Prediction, Odds, Trends and Key Players for College Football Week 4 Betsided
  • Alabama Football: Power Ranking the SEC after week three Bama Hammer
  • SEC Basketball: 10 potential additions for the league if they ever expanded Busting Brackets

    • There are already major concerns with Smith’s health due to this offseason. And that is why him being so high on this list comes with even more concern. How can one of the top guys the Vols can’t afford to lose also be one of the biggest injury risks? That’s a horrible combination.

    However, it’s the hand that was dealt to Jeremy Pruitt. Tyson Helton and Will Friend will just have to pray that Smith stays healthy. We’ve already addressed all the depth issues on the line. There’s a reason that each of the linemen we named made it on here.

    Chance Hall and Drew Richmond are the only tackles to have proven they can play there. Brandon Kennedy is the only guy with the appropriate experience to play center. Smith, meanwhile, is the only returning lineman who played all last year for the Vols and was great while doing it. He may be the best player on the team altogether.

    The only preseason All-SEC player from Rocky Top, Smith made the first team. He was one of the few bright spots for an otherwise atrocious line last year. As a result, Tennessee football needs him ready to go as much as possible. there are just too many questions up front.

    Ranking position groups for Vols 2018 season. light. Related Story

    On top of Smith being the best player on the line, he’s also another player who is the only proven one at his position. Hall and Richmond are two proven tackles. Smith is the ONLY proven guard on the roster. He’s also versatile enough to play tackle if absolutely necessary. So yeah, he’s one of the top players the Vols can’t afford to lose and the top lineman they can’t afford to lose.

    Home/Vols Football