Tennessee football's Trey Smith is winning accolades off the field after being named the 2020 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year.
The award honors one collegiate player who shows exemplary character and commitment to their community, family and teammates within NCAA Division I football.
"One of the most dominant linemen in football, Smith was a Freshman All-American and is a two-time All-SEC performer who has had to fight his way back on the field after being diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs before the start of his sophomore season. His return to the field and excellent play this season has been an inspiration to his team," UT said.
The junior offensive lineman was emotional when he accepted the award and fought back tears as he explained how important it was for him to get back on the field.
He said he kept thinking about the moment last year, when the doctors told him and his family that his football career was over.
"Something you dream about as a kid, a promise you made your mom on her death bed, hearing that it's done, it's devastating," Smith said.
But he didn't give up.
"I kept thinking, man it's not over yet. God put a vision in me that night and all week, I don't care what they said, I've got more glory and honor for you," he said. "God had a bigger purpose for me."
He said with the support of Coach Jeremy Pruitt, he kept working and when the time came, he was ready to go.
"It's not about me, it's about all the people involved in my life," he said. "Who can we impact? We have to impact people why we have time on this earth. That's what's important."
"As I write this next chapter, I have a lot of work to do," he said.
Smith announced earlier this year he would return for his senior season at UT.
Smith was one of three finalists named back in December, going up against Air Force Academy senior quarterback Isaiah Sanders and Southern California senior wide receiver Michael Pittman.
The University of Tennessee said Smith exemplified and demonstrated an outstanding record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship.
The award honors one collegiate player who shows exemplary character and commitment to their community, family and teammates within NCAA Division I football. The winner is selected by a panel of prominent former players and coaches, as well as members of the college football media.
According to the award's criteria:
- Nominee must be a player that has established himself as a leader both on and off the playing field.
- Nominee should have also excelled in his performance on the field for his team during the 2019 season.
- Anecdotal information and/or testimonials about the nominee’s integrity and leadership are highly encouraged.
- Team captains are preferred, though status as team captain is not required for consideration.
- Starting players are preferred, though it is not required for consideration.
- Nominee must be enrolled in a degree program, in good academic standing and on track to graduate.
- Weight is given to those applications that list documented community service activity. This can include activity at schools, hospitals, after-school clubs, religious organizations and other non-profits.