Trey Smith

Classroom

Smith is on track to earn his degree this fall in recreation and sports management and has produced over a 3.0 cumulative GPA. He elected to return for his senior season to fulfil the promise he made to his late mother Dorsetta Smith, who passed away when Trey was in high school due to congestive heart failure. Smith was chosen to the 2017-18 VOLeaders Academy, an honor where student-athletes learn how to positively impact their team, campus, local, and global communities.

Character

A team captain, Smith has embodied what it means to be a Volunteer and overcome numerous obstacles in his career. He was sidelined during the offseason in 2018 with blood clots in his lungs but returned to start the first eight games of 2018 at left guard before another ailment sidelined him indefinitely. He went on blood thinners and was eventually cleared. He had limited practices during game weeks but was cleared to play in games despite the near death experience. Smith continues to persevere through the obstacles presented by this health issue.

Community

Smith has served as the team leader in community service during his career. He led the team on a peaceful protest in Knoxville on June 5, 2020, with a goal of stressing unity. In December 2018, he used his platform to spearhead a coat drive for KARM and helped them meet their goal of obtaining 10,000 coats for the needy. He has participated numerous Read Across America Days as well as hospital visits. In 2018, Smith personally purchased chicken to feed the homeless and delivered it to them. In August 2020, Smith helped organize an athletic-department wide march against racism that drew hundreds.

Competition

Smith was a 2020-21 preseason All-American who elected to come back for his senior year. A projected high 2021 NFL Draft pick, Smith has appeared in 41 games with 40 starts as of October. Smith did not allow a sack as a junior and was named All-SEC first-team by the media and coaches. Smith won the 2019 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award and he was the recipient of the 2019 Fritz Pollard Trophy, given to the collegiate player who has exemplified courage, community values, and exceptional performance on the field. Smith was ranked the No. 26 player in the nation heading into 2020 by Athlon Sports and is also on the 2020 Outland Trophy watch list.