Nov 22, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Lucas Vincent (96) tackles Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) for a loss during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
5. How Improved Will the Offensive Line Be?
The offensive line was Tennessee’s worst overall unit in 2014 by far, surrendering an SEC-worst 43 sacks and 101 tackles for a loss. Three separate freshmen made starts along the line in 2014, and the line as a whole came into 2014 with half a dozen collective starts among them.
The 2014 season was definitely a learning experience for Tennessee’s offensive line, and the Vols even brought in 5 linemen in the 2015 recruiting class, including highly-rated in-state linemen Drew Richmond and Jack Jones. But just how much improvement can the worst unit on the team see?
Dontavius Blair, a highly-touted JUCO offensive tackle in the 2014 recruiting class, came in out of shape and was overtaken by then walk-on senior Jacob Gilliam for the starting left tackle spot to start the 2014 season. From that point on, Blair never saw the field, redshirting his first season as a Vol. He comes in as an early favorite to land the left tackle spot in 2015, but he is anything but a proven commodity at this point.
Both guard positions appear in relatively good hands. Redshirt senior Marcus Jackson will likely man the left guard sport, and sophomore Jashon Robertson, who was named a Freshman All-American, will be at right guard. Kyler Kerbyson will likely nail down the right tackle position, leaving center as the biggest question mark remaining along the line.
Mack Crowder will be the early favorite to man the spot in 2015 since he started nearly every game there in 2014, but he will have plenty of competition by some linemen already on Tennessee’s roster and with some of the incoming freshmen.
With Josh Dobbs at quarterback, the offensive line has some of their slack cut thanks to his mobility. But even with his increased elusiveness, he was still sacked 11 times in 4 starts to close out the 2015 season.
Tennessee’s offense has the potential to be something special in 2015, but nothing will ruin the rhythm and timing of an offense like offensive line breakdowns. If the Vols’ offensive line doesn’t improve in 2015, Tennessee will struggle mightily running and passing the ball.