UT Vols: Jeremy Pruitt outlines timeline for full-contact return of Trey Smith

Blake Toppmeyer | Knoxville

Offensive lineman Trey Smith should be cleared for full-contact participation in practice in less than three weeks, Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt said Thursday.

In the meantime, Smith will be a limited participant.

“Trey is going to participate in everything we do except (full contact)," Pruitt said.

Tennessee begins practice Friday.

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Smith was withheld from spring practice and limited to off-the-field conditioning due to an undisclosed medical condition. ESPN reported this week that Smith was dealing with blood clots in his lungs.

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Pruitt said he expects Smith, who started all 12 games last season as a true freshman, to be cleared for full contact by Aug. 19 or 20.

"Trey has done everything (this summer). He just can’t have contact (yet)," Pruitt said.

Smith started nine games at guard and three at left tackle last season. Pruitt and offensive coordinator Tyson Helton said that where Smith winds up on the line will depend on where he's needed most.

“We would like to get him in a position and leave him there where we can have success and gain confidence," Pruitt said. "The good thing is, before we insert Trey, we’re going to have two weeks of practice, so we’re going to figure out where we need him.”

Including walk-ons, the Vols have 20 offensive linemen on the roster.

Smith's return and the summer addition of center Brandon Kennedy, a graduate transfer from Alabama, will change the makeup of the line compared to what it was during the spring.

“Our offensive line, at the end of the day in this conference, they’re going to have to be able to dominate the line of scrimmage," Helton said. "They’re going to have to be able to move people off the ball. They’re going to have to protect the quarterback. They’re the reason why you get it done on offense. They understand that, and I love the group that we have.”

Waiting on JJ Peterson

Four-star linebacker signee JJ Peterson won't be with the team when practice opens. Peterson is working to finish some academic requirements that will allow him to enroll at UT.

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“He’s got a couple things that he’s working on, but he’ll be here as soon as he can get it done,” Pruitt said.

Other injuries

Regarding other injuries, Pruitt said safety Todd Kelly Jr. (knee) is cleared for full practice participation.

Offensive lineman Chance Hall (knee) missed all of last season and the spring. Pruitt said Hall is cleared for practice, but the staff will limit his repetitions as they bring him back into practice.

"We have a plan with our training staff, the reps that he'll take," Pruitt said. "I know he's really itching to get going."

Wide receiver Jauan Jennings will participate in a limited capacity as he works back from an offseason knee procedure.

“Everybody in our program will be participating in practice," Pruitt said. "We will have a couple of guys who will be a little bit limited to start with, but they’re building their way into the first scrimmage.”