RTI contributor Murphy Carlton is the author of this article
At one point in time, it looked as if Trey Smith might never play in another football game ever. A player with such immense talent and a strong love for the game came very close to having his playing career brought to an abrupt halt due to blood clots that were forming in his lungs.
But because of his strong love for the game, a deep faith and belief in God, and a great group of doctors along with a good medical staff, the junior offensive lineman never quit on his passion and was cleared to play at the start of the season. The former five-star and former Freshman All-American has played in all four games so far in 2019, starting the last three contests.
“We’ve met with some of the best doctors in the country, and they’ve had a great plan for me, and it’s working very well,” Smith said on Wednesday during a media availability.
Smith did not go into much detail about the plan in place, but he said that the doctors and physicians he has met with have a great plan laid out for him to keep him ready to play. That plan is doing its job, too.
When asked about what made him want to continue playing football, Smith said his love for the game just kept pushing him forward.
“Ultimately, you know, since I was a little boy I’ve always dreamed about playing football, watching CBS with Verne Lundqvist on TV,” Smith explained. “You know, from a young age, I’ve always dreamed about it.
“Whenever they gave me another opportunity, I didn’t hesitate. I have an undying love for the game. It’s almost like an illness. I can’t get it out of me.”
Smith was going to do whatever it took to get back to football and his teammates. Now, he’s getting to live out his dream once again this season.
One of the many concerns with Smith continuing to play football is something happening that could put his health in jeopardy. Some people might be fearful to put their body at risk and would choose to step away from a sport like football if faced with the health issues Smith is dealing with.
Trey Smith, however, points to his faith and relationship with God as being the main reason why he isn’t afraid to play.
“No, I don’t have any fear,” Smith replied when asked if was afraid about anything affecting his health this year. “I believe in God. He keeps me safe, He’s kept me safe to this point. I have no fear.
“I had a vision that I would be back and playing and that I would be successful playing as well. But you know, you have that continual faith in God that He’ll get you back.”
Smith mentioned that he “got back into his Bible” and “trusted in God” last year when he had to sit and watch his teammates finish out the season. As a sophomore, Smith began the year as a starter for the Vols at left tackle and played in UT’s first seven games before the blood clots that first appeared earlier that spring resurfaced. Before Tennessee’s contest on the road against South Carolina, Smith was benched for the rest of the season to protect his health.
During that time, Smith turned to his faith to help him get through that stretch. The Jackson, Tennessee native also mentioned the people he deemed his “support base” — his family, coaches, and teammates — played a big role in keeping his spirits up and his mind right.
Trey Smith is one of the best, if not the best player on this year’s Tennessee football team. If the Vols are going to make something out of this 2019 season, Smith is going to need to remain healthy and continue his solid play at left guard for the remainder of the season.
It seems that the plan in place is going to continue to allow Smith to finish out the remainder of the 2019 season and hopefully allow him to play football long-term. Although he isn’t focusing on it now, Smith has a good chance at getting paid to play football very soon if he can remain healthy.
For a player who almost saw the game he loves so much taken away from him, this season is a welcome one, even if the results on the field haven’t been what he hoped for so far.
