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SEC Football: 10 true freshmen who’ll have instant impact in 2017

By Erich Hilkert

Apr 22, 2017; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) is hit by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Mack Wilson (30) during the A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) is hit by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Mack Wilson (30) during the A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 23, 2017; Knoxville, TN, USA; Head Coach Butch Jones watches during Tennessee Volunteers football practice at Anderson Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Calvin Mattheis/Knoxville News Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK
Mar 23, 2017; Knoxville, TN, USA; Head Coach Butch Jones watches during Tennessee Volunteers football practice at Anderson Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Calvin Mattheis/Knoxville News Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK /

Even though Tennessee has seven players on the offensive line with prior experience, Trey Smith should compete for a starting role in 2017.

Landing Smith was a big get for Tennessee head coach Butch Jones, as Smith is an in-state recruit who grew up an Alabama fan and lived closer to Tuscaloosa than Knoxville.

Tennessee offensive line coach Walt Wells has consistently talked up Smith’s maturity and high football IQ. Smith enrolled early and has been noted for his strong work ethic in the weight room. At 6-foot-6 and 313 pounds, he already possesses great size.

While he played offensive tackle in high school, he will likely slide over to left guard in his freshman season and start for the Vols.

Next: Each SEC team's most important player for 2017

Tennessee’s strongest unit is offensive line and the strongest position along the line if Smith does start at guard would be at guard. Right guard Jashon Robertson is the leader of Tennessee’s offensive line as a returning starter, a senior, and a player who is vocal on the field. Even as a true freshman, Smith is the most talented player on the offensive line.

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