Tennessee Football: Vols Freshman Offensive Linemen Making a Splash

Tennessee football freshman offensive linemen appear to be making quite a splash for the Volunteers, according to reports.

We already knew about Marcus Tatum, one of the first Tennessee football newcomers to have his helmet stripe removed. But freshmen Nathan Niehaus and Ryan Johnson could also see significant action on the Vols’ offensive line this year.

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According to a recent report on 247Sports, veteran offensive tackle Brett Kendrick praised the development of Niehaus and Johnson.

Here is a quote from him in the story:

"“Nathan Niehaus has really come on as of late,” said Kendrick, who’s expected to open this season as Tennessee’s starting right tackle. “I think, really, what he was missing at first was the mental aspect of it. But he’s learning. He’s starting to spit back answers real quick.“And then Ryan Johnson, he’s kind of bounced around, which is a compliment to how smart he is, going from tackle to guard and then back out to tackle or wherever we need him. I think they’ve done a great job.”"

Niehaus was a three-star offensive tackle who committed to the Vols out of Cincinnati, Ohio. Johnson was a four-star in-state offensive tackle who committed to the Vols out of Brentwood.

They both have great chances to play early simply due to the roster. The Vols are already thin at tackle with Drew Richmond and Kendrick as the probable starters. Richmond is a redshirt freshman himself.

However, with Chance Hall hurt, Butch Jones and Mike DeBord have had to shift around interior linemen, including giving Coleman Thomas some reps at tackle while moving Dylan Wiesman as well.

That also opens the door for Tatum, who was a three-star guard out of Daytona Beach, Fla. and made the most headway in Fall Camp of the three linemen.

With pass protection and experienced depth on the offensive line a major concern, it’s very good news for the Vols if these guys are indeed developing fast.

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They will need them for depth. After all, injuries are naturally going to happen on the line.