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Tennessee football: Trey Smith among top 32 draft prospects

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: Offensive lineman Trey Smith #73 of the Tennessee Volunteers warming up before the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida won the game 47-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: Offensive lineman Trey Smith #73 of the Tennessee Volunteers warming up before the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida won the game 47-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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ESPN’s Todd McShay ranked the Tennessee football Volunteers offensive lineman No. 30 for 2021.

He may have been a first-rounder in 2020. However, if Trey Smith manages to continue his high level of play during his senior season, he could be the first first-round NFL Draft pick from Tennessee football since 2017 next year.

Todd McShay at least thinks that’s the case. ESPN’s NFL Draft analyst listed Smith as the No. 30 overall prospect for 2021 in his way-too-early rankings. Smith was the fifth rated offensive lineman in the group and the highest-rated guard.

The only concern surrounding Tennessee football’s best offensive lineman is his injury history, as he did miss two offseasons and the end of 2018 due to blood clots in his lungs. However, after working out a solution to play, he  was very durable throughout the 2019 season.

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A major selling point for Smith could be that he’s figured out a way to deal with the blood clots. Combine that with his versatility, and the 6’6″ 335-pound lineman would be a great pickup for anybody. That versatility includes starting seven games at left tackle in 2018 in addition to playing guard in a spread offense in 2017 and in a pro-style in 2019, earning All-SEC both times.

By the way, it’s not like Smith was just playing left tackle to fill a void in 2018 either. By the time October arrived, he was still the Vols’ best lineman playing a position that wasn’t even his natural spot. So he can play either at the next level, and he’s actually the only lineman McShay listed as both a tackle and a guard.

Simply put, Smith is Tennessee football’s best draft prospect heading into the year. He also could have a lot of help with Brandon Kennedy now entering the year fully healthy, Cade Mays potentially added to the lineup and Wanya Morris and Darnell Wright more developed.

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As a result, there’s a chance Smith’s stock shoots through the roof beyond what it already is. Again, injuries will be the only concern. What’s clear, though, is his decision to return for his senior season is making him a beloved Vol given how great of a pro prospect he already was.

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