Tennessee Vols 2015 Football Season Preview by Position: Offensive Line
Nov 1, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman Kyler Kerbyson (77) sings Rocky Top following their overtime win over the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Offensive Tackle Projected Depth Chart
Left Tackle: Kyler Kerbyson, Senior (Knoxville, Tenn.)
A hometown guy, Kyler Kerbyson is a redshirt senior who has been through a lot with the program. The 6’4″ 317 pound tackle has shown an ability to play on both ends, but this past spring he stayed at left tackle, which is why he will likely start there this Fall.
Kerbyson has a ton of versatility and should be perfect as the veteran blind-side blocker this year for the offense.
Right Tackle: Drew Richmond, Freshman (Memphis, Tenn.)
This is definitely a stretch, but based on the hype behind him and the incredible size going into his freshman year, Drew Richmond should steal a starting job from one of the returning starters on the line. That’s a huge plus and should show the depth of the Vols.
Richmond is a five-star out of Memphis and stands at 6’5″ 323 pounds. Don’t be surprised if he is moved over to left tackle before it’s all over. Normally, a freshman of his caliber would be the first guy up in the rotation, but even with the growing pains, Richmond has the rare skill set to step in immediately as a starter. And that is what he will do.
Backups
Brett Kendrick, Sophomore (Knoxville, Tenn.)
Despite an awful start to the season last year, Brett Kendrick had a spectacular spring, which elevated him right into a starting role at right tackle. And as a result, the 6’6″ 308 pound tackle will definitely be in the mix to play this year.
Kendrick became a physical freak when it came to strength toward the end of last year and into the offseason, and it showed. The only reason he is not starting is because of the potential of Richmond, but if Kendrick’s talent matches his apparent work-ethic from this offseason, then those two guys will swap.
Coleman Thomas, Sophomore (Max Meadows, Va.)
Coleman Thomas had the issue of a felony theft charge that was later dropped, but even before that, his spot as a starter was dropped with Kendrick taking over. And the addition of Richmond only moves him further down the list.
But that could speak to the depth the Vols have developed on the line rather than Thomas’s failures. He played 11 games last year and started five at right tackle, so he should be much more familiar with the position, and at 6’6″ 308 pounds he is also the perfect size. Make no mistake, he’ll still be in the rotation and will see close to as much action as Richmond and Kendrick.
Jack Jones, Freshman (Murfreesboro, Tenn.)
Another homegrown Tennessee prospect, which is coming across as commonplace for the Vols, particularly on the line, Jack Jones is a terrific pick-up.
He may not see as much action on the line this year due to the depth, but he should definitely be able to provide some depth on his own if injuries take a toll. Still a Top 10 tackle in the country, Butch Jones and Co. will want to get him on the field some.
Chance Hall, Freshman (Roanoke, Va.)
The good news for the line this year is, thanks to a loaded class, the Vols might be able to redshirt some guys. Chance Hall could be that guy. He is still valuable at 6’5″ 315 pounds and could become a very valuable player with the program. And he will certainly provide depth if needed.
But if he’s not, a redshirt would not be all that bad. Of course, this could change if nobody lives up to their potential, but if that happens, there is a much bigger problem. So expect Hall to be redshirted but be able to be called upon if needed.
Next: Offensive Guard Projected Depth Chart