Offseason position analysis: Offensive line
- Wyeth Wilson
- May 28, 2015
- 2 min read
The offensive line was the clear weakness on the Tennessee football team last season, but things are looking up for the Vols’ offensive front.
Going into the 2014 season, UT was replacing its entire starting offensive line, so many expected it to be a rough season in that department.
They were proven right when Tennessee allowed an SEC-worst 43 sacks.
But experience, something that the offensive line did not have last season, will be present in 2015.
The projected starters right now are Kyler Kerbyson, Marcus Jackson, Mack Crowder, Jashon Robertson, and Brett Kendrick.
Kerbyson, Jackson, Crowder, and Robertson all were entering their first season as starters at this time a year ago, and now all of them have the 2014 season under their belts.
The projected starters definitely could change, but there will undoubtedly be more experience along the offensive front.
"[The growth of the offensive line has been] night and day,” Butch Jones said following the Orange and White Game. “They worked really hard in the weight room, but again we have a long ways to go.”
In addition to the experience that the Vols’ line now has, they will also add some young talent.
Tennessee signed five-star Drew Richmond, four-star tackle Jack Jones, and three-star Chance Hall in the 2015 class.
Richmond is expected to compete for a starting spot immediately in the fall, and early enrollees Jones and Hall will likely earn backup roles.
"We made a lot of strides in different areas but we can always continue to get better and progress and grow,” Robertson said. “I just can't wait to see the finish product."
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