KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith, a Freshman All-American last season, has been cleared by doctors to play in 2018 after being diagnosed in February with blood clots in his lungs.
Smith told ESPN in an exclusive interview that he's eager to get back onto the field, but also understands the risks after spending the past several months consulting with a team of specialists and doctors, who reached a consensus that the best way to treat his condition was with a six-month course of anticoagulants (blood-thinning medication) followed by baby aspirin.
"I've never been in this situation before, so I'm just ready to get back out there and really play football again, to hit somebody again," said Smith, who missed spring practice with what Tennessee officials said was an undisclosed medical condition.