Vols Football: 5 Under The Radar Players
By Zach Ragan
Nov 9, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; A general view of Neyland Stadium during the game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Auburn Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
4. Marcus Jackson — Left Guard
It’s well documented that Tennessee’s starting offensive line is expected to struggle this season.
The Vols are returning zero starters and have very little experience.
The leader of the offensive line is expected to be center Mack Crowder. While I expect that sentiment to ring true, I believe Marcus Jackson will be one of the more underrated leaders and performers along the Vols’ offensive line.
Jackson will provide the Vols with some much needed experience, as he started five games as a true freshman in 2011. He then spent the 2012 season as the backup to Dallas Thomas.
With Alex Bullard and Zach Fulton entrenched as the starters at guard last season, Butch Jones had the foresight to redshirt Jackson.
That decision should prove to be huge, as Jackson should start for the Vols the next two years.
If the Vols’ are able to win the battle at the line of scrimmage this season, it will be due in large part to Marcus Jackson.