Tennessee junior offensive lineman Trey Smith, who experienced two battles with blood clots last year, has been cleared by doctors to play in Saturday’s season opener against Georgia State.
Smith initially was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs in February of 2018. He was cleared to play last season, but his campaign was cut short after seven games when he had a recurrence.
The 6-foot-6, 325-pound Smith and his family discussed the situation with specialists and doctors over the past several months in search of a solution.
“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 game day,” Smith said in a news release. “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.”
Volunteers coach Jeremy Pruitt has repeatedly stated that Smith would make the decision on his possible return.
“This is Trey’s decision, and our medical staff has done a great job throughout this entire process,” Pruitt said in the release. “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 started all 19 games in which he played during his first two seasons with the Volunteers. He earned SEC All-Freshman honors in 2017 when he was the first Tennessee true freshman to start at left tackle in over 30 years.
