Tennessee football's Trey Smith named Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year

Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith received the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award during a ceremony Tuesday night in Frisco, Texas.

The award is presented annually to the Division I college football player who has demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.

Smith was selected from a group of three finalists that included Air Force senior quarterback Isaiah Sanders and Southern California senior wide receiver Michael Pittman.

“It’s truly an honor to be recognized as the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year, especially knowing what other great football leaders the other finalists are,” Smith said in a school news release. “It’s humbling and I’m so thankful for the continued support of my family, coaches and the University of Tennessee, who are always in my corner.”

Smith, a native of Jackson, has been involved in the Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries annual “Coats for the Cold” drive the past two years. He promoted the event on social media and helped with collection.

Smith also has been an active speaker to youth groups, elementary schools and organizations across the state.

Smith was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs in February 2018, an issue that caused him to miss spring practice that year. He was cleared ahead of his sophomore season and started the first seven games of the 2018 season before another medical issue caused him to miss the final five games that year.

Smith thrived this season at left guard despite following a specialized medical treatment and practice plan that limited him to two full-contact practices all season. He earned first-team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press and coaches.

Joining Smith at The Star, the Dallas Cowboys' practice facility, were coach Jeremy Pruitt, athletics director Phillip Fulmer, Smith's sister Ashley and other members of the football staff.

Smith announced last month that he would return for his senior season rather than enter the NFL Draft.

“I’m glad to be continuing my journey in Knoxville,” Smith said. “We have unfinished business on the field, but I’m also excited to still be involved with our community and help out and hopefully make an impact where I can.”

The award also comes with a $10,000 donation in Smith's name to Tennessee's athletics scholarship fund from Jason Witten's SCORE Foundation, the official charity of the former Tennessee tight end and his wife, Michelle.

“It’s really cool that earning this award will also benefit the athletics department and the other student-athletes that are a part of the amazing Volunteers family,” Smith said. “It makes it even more special that Jason Witten is a VFL and set the standard for so many in terms of on-the-field and off-the-field leadership and community service.”

Witten was a tight end for the Vols from 2000-02. He has played 16 seasons for the Dallas Cowboys and was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2012. This is the third year of the college football version of the award.

Earlier this month, Smith received the Fritz Pollard Trophy, honoring a college player who has exemplified extraordinary courage, community values and exceptional performance on the field.