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WATCH: Trey Smith expresses his excitement upon return to the field for Tennessee
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The severity of the health scare facing Trey Smith this offseason in Knoxville was very real and at times terrifying. For Tennessee’s best player, who possesses the talent and work ethic necessary to one day potentially compete in the NFL, dealing with the reality that his playing career may have come to an abrupt and premature end had to have been incredibly stressful.
As detailed by Chris Low of ESPN on Tuesday, it was discovered this offseason that Smith was suffering from blood clots in his lungs. If not dealt with properly, the situation would have ended Smith’s playing career. It should be noted that Smith’s mother, Dorsetta, died at the age of 51 due to congestive heart failure. Taking that all into consideration, getting Smith back on the field had to have been the least of Tennessee’s concerns upon learning of his health status.
Following an offseason of treatment and visits to specialists around the country, Smith’s status has been upgraded and he will be ready to go for the start of the upcoming season. However, Tennessee will continue to be monitor Smith’s health — likely for the rest of his career — in case the blood clots return.
Now that he’s cleared to return, Smith shared his state of mind in a series of videos posted by Low:
As he returns to the field after undergoing six months of treatment for blood clots in his lungs, Tennessee’s @smithtrey98 is focused on what’s right in front of him, and that’s “returning Tennessee back to dominance in the SEC.” pic.twitter.com/ldPg5mNVE4
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) August 1, 2018
Based on Smith’s comments here, you have to be fearful for the safety of the first defender that he faces in Tennessee’s upcoming fall camp:
Trey Smith on his return: “I can’t wait to strap on the pads one more time and just get it going.” pic.twitter.com/HAa4VTI2jM
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) August 1, 2018
Smith also shared his initial fears and the difficulties he faced upon discovering something was wrong with his body:
The toughest time for Trey Smith was before the diagnosis and wondering what was wrong with him. He couldn’t even walk 500 yards without having to stop and catch his breath. pic.twitter.com/arMJQbbnXe
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) August 1, 2018
With Smith back in the fold, Tennessee has the centerpiece of not only the offensive line but arguably the entire offense heading into 2018. It remains to be seen where Smith will line up for the Vols, either at tackle or at guard, but now that he’s been cleared medically, the uncertainty of where he lines up on the field is of little consequence in relation to the adversity he experienced this offseason.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
