SNAFU
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2. Trey Smith, OG, Tennessee (6-5, 333)
Best Trait: Bully strength
Even as a true freshman, Smith was bouncing bodies around the field in the SEC. Although his career was nearly derailed by health concerns, his trademark power as always been the basis of his evaluation. With his massive frame, Smith absorbs contact well to stop rushers in their tracks and he is a devastating run blocker, uprooting and displacing defenders.
It took time, but Smith looked more and more like his old self as last season progressed. Against Mississippi State, the left guard dished out several devastating blocks that helped lead the Volunteers to victory, including this 15-yard touchdown in the first quarter. With his bully tactics, Smith easily redirects the defensive tackle and completely removes him from the play.
Must Improve: Sloppy tendencies
Smith is accustomed to being bigger and stronger than his opponents, but the technical part of his game remains a work-in-progress. While he isn’t shy mauling defenders, his big paws often hug or fall off his target. Smith needs to streamline his punch action and do a better job rolling his hips into contact instead of allowing his pads to get upright.
2020 Season/2021 NFL Draft Outlook
A five-star recruit, Smith was one of the most sought-after high school players in the 2017 cycle. A lifelong Alabama fan, he was thought to be a Crimson Tide lean with schools like Ohio State and Ole Miss also in the mix. But the culture of the Tennessee program drew him to his home state Volunteers. Lining up at both tackle and guard, Smith was a Freshman All-American and his football future appeared destined for the first round. However, he missed the second half of his sophomore year after doctors discovered blood clots in his lungs, putting his career in jeopardy. Smith battled back and started 12 games at left guard last season, earning First Team All-SEC honors.
A masher in the run game, Smith embraces the bully role and controls the point-of-attack with his overwhelming strength. Technically refined NFL linemen will take advantage of his current mechanical flaws, but he takes coaching well and competes with a nasty attitude. As long as the medicals come back clean, Smith is still on that first round trajectory.
Pre-season top-10 senior centers:
1. Michael Menet, Penn State (6-3, 300)
2. Landon Dickerson, Alabama (6-5, 344)
3. Drake Jackson, Kentucky (6-1, 307)
4. Jack Wohlabaugh, Duke (6-3, 305)
5. Matt Allen, Michigan State (6-2, 300)
6. Jimmy Morrissey, Pittsburgh (6-2, 298)
7. Doug Kramer, Illinois (6-2, 310)
8. Brandon Kennedy, Tennessee (6-3, 300)
9. Josh McCauley, Arizona (6-3, 288)
10. Danny Godlevske, Miami (Ohio) (6-2, 292)--- Dane Brugler, The Athletic
Best Trait: Bully strength
Even as a true freshman, Smith was bouncing bodies around the field in the SEC. Although his career was nearly derailed by health concerns, his trademark power as always been the basis of his evaluation. With his massive frame, Smith absorbs contact well to stop rushers in their tracks and he is a devastating run blocker, uprooting and displacing defenders.
It took time, but Smith looked more and more like his old self as last season progressed. Against Mississippi State, the left guard dished out several devastating blocks that helped lead the Volunteers to victory, including this 15-yard touchdown in the first quarter. With his bully tactics, Smith easily redirects the defensive tackle and completely removes him from the play.
Must Improve: Sloppy tendencies
Smith is accustomed to being bigger and stronger than his opponents, but the technical part of his game remains a work-in-progress. While he isn’t shy mauling defenders, his big paws often hug or fall off his target. Smith needs to streamline his punch action and do a better job rolling his hips into contact instead of allowing his pads to get upright.
2020 Season/2021 NFL Draft Outlook
A five-star recruit, Smith was one of the most sought-after high school players in the 2017 cycle. A lifelong Alabama fan, he was thought to be a Crimson Tide lean with schools like Ohio State and Ole Miss also in the mix. But the culture of the Tennessee program drew him to his home state Volunteers. Lining up at both tackle and guard, Smith was a Freshman All-American and his football future appeared destined for the first round. However, he missed the second half of his sophomore year after doctors discovered blood clots in his lungs, putting his career in jeopardy. Smith battled back and started 12 games at left guard last season, earning First Team All-SEC honors.
A masher in the run game, Smith embraces the bully role and controls the point-of-attack with his overwhelming strength. Technically refined NFL linemen will take advantage of his current mechanical flaws, but he takes coaching well and competes with a nasty attitude. As long as the medicals come back clean, Smith is still on that first round trajectory.
Pre-season top-10 senior centers:
1. Michael Menet, Penn State (6-3, 300)
2. Landon Dickerson, Alabama (6-5, 344)
3. Drake Jackson, Kentucky (6-1, 307)
4. Jack Wohlabaugh, Duke (6-3, 305)
5. Matt Allen, Michigan State (6-2, 300)
6. Jimmy Morrissey, Pittsburgh (6-2, 298)
7. Doug Kramer, Illinois (6-2, 310)
8. Brandon Kennedy, Tennessee (6-3, 300)
9. Josh McCauley, Arizona (6-3, 288)
10. Danny Godlevske, Miami (Ohio) (6-2, 292)--- Dane Brugler, The Athletic
