Two of the more talked about Tennessee players this offseason among Vol fans have been two players whose status with the team have been up in the air. But head coach Jeremy Pruitt put Vol fans at ease with his updates on both those players at SEC Media Days.
Pruitt spoke to the local media gathered at SEC Media Days in Atlanta on Wednesday, and he had several positive updates to give out about two of the Vols’ most talented players.
The first update was on Tennessee’s highest-rated player to sign with them in the 2018 class, linebacker J.J. Peterson. The four-star linebacker hasn’t enrolled at Tennessee yet despite reports that he was expected to be in one of the summer sessions at the university. But Pruitt says the talented incoming freshman is expected to be ready for fall camp on August 3rd.
Jeremy Pruitt says he “absolutely” expects 4-Star freshman LB JJ Peterson to be available for the start of preseason practice. Though he is still taking care of a couple things.
— David Cobb (@DavidWCobb) July 18, 2018
Peterson is listed as an outside linebacker by recruiting services, but it’s expected he’ll compete at all four linebacker spots in Tennessee’s base 3-4 defensive scheme.
The second update pertained to the health of Freshman All-American and All-SEC offensive lineman Trey Smith. The former five-star tackle from Jackson, Tennessee missed all of spring practices earlier this year with an undisclosed health issue. But Pruitt says that the Vols’ stalwart on the offensive line will return this fall and has received good reports on his health.
NEWS: After missing spring practice, Vols OL Trey Smith will return to action when Tennessee opens fall camp. Pruitt says all reports have been good and they’re excited to have him back.
— Jesse Simonton (@JesseReSimonton) July 18, 2018
Smith was the only offensive lineman to start all 12 games for the Vols last season, and he was voted to several Freshman All-American and All-SEC teams by various outlets. He’s expected to start on Tennessee’s offensive line as a sophomore this season as long as he stays healthy.
SEC Media Days has gotten off to a good start for Vol fans hoping for good news and positivity from the event. We will continue to bring you coverage of Tennessee’s appearance at the 2018 SEC Media Days in Atlanta.
