Evaluating the Tennessee Vols Recruiting Class at Dead Period: Offensive Line

Aug 31, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Butch Jones greets fans during the Vol Walk at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

2016 Offensive Line Commitments

Ryan Johnson: Brentwood, Tenn. (Brentwood Academy)

Ryan Johnson is a Tennessee native from the Brentwood pipeline, and he is currently the only lineman on the roster. But he’s a pretty good one.

As a four-star offensive tackle on Rivals, Johnson committed last July and is a solid player who wants to play for Tennessee and has always wanted to. That’s a great combination. Add in his size, which was listed at 6’6″ 275 pounds last year and will only get better, and you have a recipe for a great player.

Johnson’s commitment means the Vols should at least have six or seven guys already in the rotation by 2017 and could have eight if nobody leaves early. And there is a good chance he sees the field as a freshman, as Jones will immediately need to insert three new guys into the rotation next year. He will definitely be in the running for one of those spots.

But the best part is he adds more long-term depth, which is crucial for the offensive line. And there is still plenty more recruiting to do.

With Johnson as the only commitment at offensive line right now, let’s take a look at the prospects still on the board for the Vols, starting with offensive tackle.

Next: Available Prospects at Offensive Tackle