OT Trey Smith, the top-ranked ESPN 300 recruit, explains his decision to commit to Tennessee in the fall of 2017. (1:45)

Coming off a disappointing 8-4 season, Tennessee head coach Butch Jones received some huge news on Tuesday. The top-ranked player in the ESPN 300, offensive tackle Trey Smith, committed to the Volunteers on College Football Daily.

The 6-foot-6, 299-pound prospect from University School of Jackson in Jackson, Tennessee, chose the Volunteers over Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson, Ole Miss and Notre Dame.

Smith said his relationship with the current Tennessee players was a big reason for his decision.

Trey Smith, the top-ranked player in the ESPN 300, committed to the Volunteers Tuesday. Tom Hauck for Student Sports

"I'd say really the players at Tennessee, specifically the offensive line. They just welcomed me in," Smith said of his commitment to Tennessee. "They were really instrumental in getting me there. Honestly, from the first time I visited there to the last time I visited there, it's just been a great feeling from the players. They show a lot of love."

"I just feel like every time I go down there I already feel like I'm one of them. It's like a brotherhood. I don't even feel like a recruit, it's just a natural fit there."

Two of Smith's top six schools, Alabama and Ohio State, made a big push for the Under Armour All-American, but Smith said he relied on some advice he received recently to go with his heart.

"I got some really good advice recently. The person told me that once I made my decision to just be happy with it, enjoy it, and never look back," Smith said. "That's what I'm doing right now, I'm not hesitant about it. I'm completely happy about it.

"I've made my decision, it's a commitment. Some coaches said some really good things and made me think about it, but ultimately it was my decision -- it was my decision and I'm going to stick with it."

The Volunteers needed some good news. After Tennessee's disappointing season, the Vols lost three commitments. With the big commitment of the five-star Smith, Tennessee is now up to 24 verbal commitments including five which are in the ESPN 300.

Tennessee is hoping the addition of Smith will give Tennessee some much-needed momentum heading down the final stretch of the recruiting season.