Tennessee’s all-out blitz to land Jackson (Tenn.) offensive tackle Trey Smith has at least landed the Vols in the final six for the player ESPN has deemed No. 1 overall in the nation.
Smith released his top six via a video post on Twitter on Sunday, putting UT, Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, Ole Miss and Notre Dame in his final group.
Top 6‼️😈 pic.twitter.com/0dvvd709fl
— Trey Smith (@treysmith) July 10, 2016
Here’s the full RTI recruiting profile for Smith:
Offensive lineman – 2017 Class
6-6, 290 pounds
Jackson, Tenn. (University School)
Other top offers
Clemson, Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, Ohio State, Ole Miss
Status
Tennessee is in a good spot with Smith as the Vols have had him on campus at least a couple times – once for a game in 2015 and another time for a Junior Day in the spring of 2016. UT loaded up the truck and headed to Smith’s high school for a satellite camp early in the summer, showing their all-in mentality in landing the nation’s top player, according to ESPN. Smith put UT, Alabama, Ole Miss, Clemson, Ohio State and Notre Dame in his top six on July 11.
Ratings
247Sports: ★★★★
ESPN.com: ★★★★★
Rivals.com: ★★★★
Scout.com: ★★★★
RTI average: 4.25-stars
How He Fits
There’s a fairly wide range of opinions on Smith by the recruiting services with ESPN ranking him the No. 1 overall prospect in the nation and Rivals.com only saying he’s the 11th best player in the state of Tennessee, at least as of mid-May.
Watch his film a bit though and you’ll see why it’s easy to lean towards the ESPN side of the ranking. He has some things to clean up in his overall technique, but he has elite athleticism for his size and can be completely dominant. He has the frame to add a bit more weight as well, so he’s not even close to his ceiling yet.
The Vols have a couple young, promising tackles in Drew Richmond and Chance Hall on the roster, but Smith could be a in good position to come to UT, take a year to bulk up and learn the positions and then be ready to compete around 2018.
Video
