Fans should give former Tennessee Vols offensive lineman Trey Smith a moment of appreciation for reaching this significant career milestone.

Trey Smith, former offensive lineman for the Tennessee Volunteers, has earned a special place in the hearts of Tennessee football fans and in the broader world of college football. A mountain of a man, Smith’s impact on the field cannot be overstated. He was a powerhouse on the line, a symbol of hard work and determination, and a player who left everything he had on the field. His journey from a highly-touted high school recruit to a Tennessee legend, and ultimately to the NFL, is one of perseverance and grit, marked by a unique career milestone that deserves recognition.

The Road to Tennessee: A Star in the Making

Smith’s journey to Tennessee began long before he ever donned the orange and white jersey. A native of Jackson, Tennessee, Smith was a standout at University School of Jackson, where his physicality and athleticism on the field made him one of the top recruits in the country. By the time he graduated, he was widely considered one of the best offensive linemen in the nation. His combination of size (6’6” and 330 pounds) and agility was rare, and many saw him as a future first-round draft pick.

But before Smith could embark on a professional career, he chose to stay close to home and committed to the University of Tennessee. As a Vols fanbase starved for success, his arrival on campus was seen as the first step toward the resurgence of the program. And from the moment he arrived, it was clear that Smith had the talent, the work ethic, and the leadership qualities to make an immediate impact.

A Dominant Force on the Tennessee Offensive Line

From his freshman year, Smith was a force to be reckoned with on the field. He started in 11 of the 12 games as a true freshman, a rarity for any player, but especially for an offensive lineman. He quickly earned a reputation for being able to both protect the quarterback and open up running lanes. His physicality and football IQ were second to none, and by the end of his first season, he had already established himself as one of the most promising offensive linemen in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

However, Smith’s career wasn’t just defined by his early dominance. The real story of Trey Smith’s legacy is one of overcoming adversity, specifically health challenges that threatened to derail his career altogether. During his sophomore season, Smith was diagnosed with blood clots, a condition that caused him to miss a significant portion of the 2018 season. At a time when many would have seen this as a career-threatening condition, Smith’s resilience was on full display. He fought through the health scare and came back stronger than ever. The heart and perseverance he showed in the face of this adversity inspired not only his teammates but the entire Vols fanbase.

After his health scare, Smith’s return to the field in 2019 was nothing short of remarkable. He was back at full strength, playing with a renewed sense of purpose. Over the next two seasons, Smith became one of the best offensive linemen in the country. He was a leader on the line, and his ability to dominate opponents allowed the Vols offense to thrive. His performance was so impressive that he was named a unanimous All-SEC selection in both 2020 and 2021. But more than the accolades, what set Smith apart was his unwavering commitment to his team and his development.

The Unique Career Milestone

While Smith’s career was marked by personal growth and triumph over adversity, one particular milestone stands out in his journey: his remarkable consistency and success despite the challenges he faced. Trey Smith’s story is one of perseverance, and the unique milestone he achieved was his ability to maintain a level of excellence across multiple seasons and through varying circumstances. As of the end of his senior season in 2021, Smith had played in over 40 games, and in that span, he had not missed a start.

The achievement is rare for any offensive lineman, let alone one who battled health issues as Smith did. Playing with such consistency, while maintaining a high level of performance, is a testament to his mental and physical fortitude. It is a rare feat for an athlete to play in 40+ games without faltering in their commitment to the team or their own development. Smith’s durability, despite his health challenges, speaks volumes about his toughness and his passion for the game.

This milestone doesn’t just reflect Smith’s ability to play through pain; it highlights his professionalism and discipline. Offensive linemen are often the unsung heroes of the football field, performing a role that rarely makes headlines. But Smith’s career was marked by an unshakable drive to be the best, and this unique milestone demonstrates that even in the trenches, greatness can emerge.

Recognition from Vols Fans and Beyond

Trey Smith’s legacy as a Tennessee Volunteer is more than just his on-field performance. He represents the best qualities of college football: perseverance, leadership, and dedication. For fans who witnessed his development from a young and promising freshman to an accomplished, seasoned senior, Trey Smith embodies what it means to be a Tennessee Volunteer. His journey was not an easy one, but his unwavering spirit made him a beloved figure among Vols fans.

In addition to his success on the field, Smith has also earned praise for his work off the field. His leadership, whether through his community involvement or his mentorship of younger teammates, was a hallmark of his career. Smith took pride in being a role model, and his work ethic and dedication have made him a standout player in the eyes of his coaches, teammates, and fans alike.

Tennessee fans should take a moment to recognize the significance of Smith’s achievement. Despite facing health issues that would have sidelined most athletes, Smith’s determination kept him on the field, where he became one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the SEC. His legacy, both as a player and as a person, is a shining example of what college football should be about.

The NFL Journey

Trey Smith’s journey didn’t end at Tennessee. After an illustrious college career, he declared for the NFL Draft and was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2021 NFL Draft. His transition to the professional ranks was an exciting new chapter, but one that came with both challenges and opportunities. NFL teams quickly recognized Smith’s talent, and it was no surprise when he made an immediate impact with the Chiefs. His ability to start as a rookie and contribute to one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses speaks to his exceptional skill and work ethic.

Now, as Smith continues to establish himself in the NFL, fans from Tennessee to Kansas City are watching with pride. The Vols faithful have not forgotten his legacy, and they continue to cheer him on from afar. Trey Smith is more than just a football player—he is a symbol of resilience, of what it means to overcome adversity, and of the spirit that defines college football

Trey Smith’s journey from high school to Tennessee and beyond is a story of perseverance, leadership, and excellence. His unique career milestone—over 40 starts with unwavering consistency and determination despite battling health issues—deserves recognition and should be celebrated by fans, not only of Tennessee but of college football in general. The dedication and passion he brought to every game are qualities that should serve as inspiration for athletes everywhere. As Smith’s career continues to evolve in the NFL, it is clear that his impact on the game is far from over. For Tennessee Vols fans, Trey Smith’s legacy will remain etched in the history of the program, a testament to what it truly means to be a Volunteer.