Former Vols OL James Stone To Start For Falcons
By Zach Ragan
Former Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman James Stone has a new role on the Atlanta Falcons — starting center.
Stone was named a starter by Falcons head coach Mike Smith, after Atlanta lost Joe Hawley and Peter Konz to injury.
#Falcons coach Mike Smith said James Stone will start at center vs. Detroit.
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) October 23, 2014
The Falcons signed Stone as an undrafted free agent, shortly after the 2014 NFL Draft.
Stone started 39 games while at Tennessee and was part of a vaunted offensive line that would see six players, in a two year span, make it to the NFL (of the six, only Alex Bullard is currently without a team, but he spent time with the Detroit Lions).
The former Vol has already garnered praise from the Atlanta coaching staff.
From ESPN
"Stone actually played better than expected Sunday in his first extensive action. Offensive line coach Mike Tice has liked Stone’s size, quickness, and explosiveness from the outset."
Stone has a chance to establish himself as yet another former Tennessee Volunteer that has become an entrenched starter in the NFL.