Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Tennessee Football: Top 5 prospects for 2021 NFL Draft

By Aaron Gershon

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 05: Jauan Jennings #15, Marquez Callaway #1 and Trey Smith #73 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrate Jennings catch for a touchdown during a game between University of Georgia Bulldogs and University of Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images).
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 05: Jauan Jennings #15, Marquez Callaway #1 and Trey Smith #73 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrate Jennings catch for a touchdown during a game between University of Georgia Bulldogs and University of Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images). /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
KNOXVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 20: LaBryan Ray #89 of the Alabama Crimson Tide battles with Offensive lineman Trey Smith #73 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Alabama won 58-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 20: LaBryan Ray #89 of the Alabama Crimson Tide battles with Offensive lineman Trey Smith #73 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Alabama won 58-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

1. Trey Smith, OL

Cade Mays isn’t the only projected 2021 first-rounder on the Tennessee offensive line. Returning for his senior season, Trey Smith is hoping to become the first offensive lineman selected in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Smith was named Freshman All-SEC, Freshman All-American and All-SEC second-team in 2017 after starting all 12 games for the Vols with starts at both the tackle and guard positions. He also led the Vols with 55 knockdowns and finished as the SEC’s top-rated freshman offensive player (80.6), according to Pro Football Focus College.

In 2018, Smith started the first seven games of the season but was shut down due to blood clots. He bounced back in 2019 to earn All-SEC First Team honors after playing in all 13 games and starting 12 for the Vols while playing mainly at the offensive guard position. He was named the SEC offensive lineman of the week for his efforts in the Vols victory over Missouri.

Smith was also named the inaugural winner of the Fritz Pollard Trophy, given to the collegiate player who has exemplified extraordinary courage, community values, and exceptional performance on the field.

The versatile lineman will likely be a first rounder in 2021. The question will be how early will come off the board.

Ranking college football's top 50 fanbases. dark. Next

Home/Tennessee Volunteers