What We Learned From Vols Spring Practice

3.) Both Lines are a Work in Progress

As coach Jones has preached all spring, consistency will be key for both units once the season starts. PHOTO: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

At the end of the 2013 season, Butch Jones and company saw 5 offensive linemen and 6 defensive linemen (10 seniors and 1 junior) depart from the team, all of which were either starters or vital members of the two-deep depth chart. To say the offensive and defensive lines would be facing a depth issue was an understatement.

To replenish the depth at both lines, Jones and his staff brought in 4 offensive linemen and 7 defensive linemen to join the remaining linemen on the roster. The 2014 Vols will feature an entirely new offensive and defensive line comprised of only 3 seniors among them all, and only 1 of them (Jordan Williams) is likely to crack the starting lineup.

The spring saw both lines grow from beginning to end, but both units were wrought with inconsistency throughout all the practices and the Orange and White game.

Here are a few scenarios typical of the spring this year: The defensive line would make an impressive push and wreak havoc in the backfield. Was this because the defensive line was that good, or was it because the offensive line was that shaky?

Then the defensive line would be held at bay and pushed around, allowing the running back to gash them for a big gain. Was this because the offensive line was that good, or was it because the defensive line is too weak?

None of these questions will be answered until the Vols take on someone other than themselves in the fall, but both units saw more ups and downs than any other this spring. While the skill positions, such as running back, wide receiver, and quarterback, will get most of the attention, the play at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball may play a larger role in determining how successful the Vols will be this season.