Trey Smith has been one of the most dependable and impressive freshmen for the Vols and in all of college football this season. He’s started at right guard since game one of the 2017 season, and he’s been the most consistent performer on an otherwise beleaguered offensive line.
But now Smith gets an opportunity to shine in a different position this weekend.
Butch Jones confirmed on Vol Calls on Wednesday night that the true freshman will play at offensive tackle when Tennessee hosts Southern Miss for homecoming this weekend. Smith is being moved because of a rash of injuries along the offensive line right now.
Brett Kendrick and Marcus Tatum are both out for Tennessee this Saturday, and Drew Richmond is questionable for the game as well. Kendrick has started all season, as has Richmond. Tatum’s playing time has increased after injuries and more shuffling around the line has occurred.
Throw in Chance Hall’s season-ending injury before the season began and the transfer of Venzell Boulware a few weeks ago, and Tennessee’s depth on the offensive line has never been thinner this year.
Richmond and Kendrick have been Tennessee’s usual offensive tackles this season, and Tatum has played at the position as well. Now with Kendrick and Tatum out and Richmond looking potentially unlikely to play, Smith is being pushed over to play at tackle for the first time in his Tennessee career.
Jones said on Vol Calls that they practiced Smith at tackle this week, and the true freshman felt comfortable at the position.
Earlier this season, Trey Smith graded out as one of the top true freshman in all of college football for his performance to start the season at right guard. He’s consistently been praised by a national analysts for his play this season, especially in run blocking situations.
Coming out of high school, Smith projected as an offensive tackle and played there for University School of Jackson in Jackson, Tennessee. But he’s yet to play there for the Vols this season.
Now Smith will have a chance to show scouts what he can do at tackle as a true freshman. And if he plays like he has at guard so far this year, expect rave reviews come Sunday and the days after.
