Jeff Smith, a walk-on guard at Tennessee in the late 1970s, died early Sunday after complications resulting from the flu, according to WVLT.
Smith also played football at West High School. He was serving as an assistant coach for the middle school team at Grace Christian School, where his son played.
Earlier in the day, WVLT incorrectly reported on its Web site that Jeff Smith, who was a tight end for the Vols from 1981-85, had died.
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Comments » 19
leedsvol2007 writes:
If memory serves Jeff Smith had several key catches including a TD and 2 point conversion in the 1982 upset of Alabama that ended our 11 game losing streak at the hands of the Tide. That game was the watermark game for Johnny Majors bringing us back into the national spotlight.
Our prayers and condolences go out to the family.
ws3d writes:
Jeff is one of the best people I have ever known. He is already missed. Pray for his family and friends.
Ironcity writes:
Always liked his game. I thought he would go on to the NFL. I don't think he ever did.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Prayers to his family.
Great hands.
Sat in my cramped seat and watched the Vols dismantle U of M.
skyhawk836 writes:
Played high school ball with Jeff in Milan. He was genuinely a great guy and a great teammate. On a team that won the state championship he was one of 2 freshmen moved to the varsity team in '77
As a Vol, he caught the first TD pass against Miami in the Sugar.
I hate this. Jeff was alright.
bargoss#266079 writes:
Wrong Jeff Smith,The Jeff Smith that died played at UT in 1979 and was a guard.He was from Knoxville and played at West. He has a son in middle school at Grace Christian Academy who plays football. Wonderful man who helped coach the middle school team. He will truly be missed.
crimsonviper writes:
Sad,sad news.To his family and his Volunteer family i hope for peace for all and Go Vols always!
BreatheUT writes:
Skyhawk...I'm ex-Bulldog too. Jeff comes from a good family and will be missed. I pray for his family.
Go Vols!
Down_The_Field writes:
i've read your posts from time to time and must admit you are a tremendous class act.
i was shocked to read this. yet another vol player who most of us have cheered for has passed on. jeff was too young.
my heart goes out to the family as well as the son. rest in peace volunteer and thanks for the memories. we'll miss you.
oldsmokey67 writes:
And there wide open from Milan Tennessee Jeff Smith.R.I.P Jeff.Thanks for the Memories.
bobbarbilly writes:
I think that it was Jeff Powell who caught that pass against Miami.
john1998 writes:
This mistake is unacceptable from the Sentinel. Who approves publishing these stories? Did anyone think to look up Jeff (1985) Smith in the freaking phone book to ask him if he was dead?
Whoever put this on the web should be put on probation.
blitzshoot writes:
I'm a bit confused. My thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family. It appears to be a different Jeff Smith from the 70's?
doctorvol#211700 writes:
goodness! It's bad either way. The man who died was from Knoxville area, and played guard several years before #81, tight end, who I had classes with in 1981.It is he who caught TD in 35-7 Mia game. Jeff Powell had 60 yd td run off left tackle that gave UT28-7 lead.
chad_t31 writes:
God bless jeff and his family. It is a bit eerie to me how the flu is killing more and more people nowdays. Did jeff have other health issues?
twister2 writes:
If you would have read the story, it says it was reported earlier by WVLT about the incorrect Jeff Smith, not the News Sentinel, The News Sentinel was just clarifying which Jeff Smith it was.
tloutn writes:
Nope. Jeff Powell was a 3rd team running back from William & Mary who went off tackle for 60 yds in 3rd quarter. Keith Jackson's call is my favorite non John Ward call of any Tennessee game. "Powell is gone, good-bye touchdown."
Rest in peace Jeff. Blessings to your family.
Cldvols1 writes:
RIP Jeff and God be with his family!
Reka1 writes:
I totally agree!!!
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