Tennessee Vols 2015 Football Season Preview by Position: Offensive Line

Jul 15, 2014; Hoover, AL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman Mack Crowder talks to the media during the SEC Football Media Days at the Wynfrey Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Center Projected Depth Chart

Starter: Mack Crowder, Senior (Bristol, Tenn.)

Part of the reason Tennessee may have lost to Missouri late into the season is Mack Crowder, who was one of the guys developing strongly before suffering a leg injury the week before against Kentucky. The 6’2″ 290 pound center is clearly the starter at this position going forward, even if other guys like Jashon Robertson see some action here.

Crowder is one of the great development stories as a redshirt senior going into this year, seeing limited action until his redshirt sophomore season and then being thrust into the lineup his junior year. This year, fully healthy and more experienced, he should have a connection with Joshua Dobbs and be the perfect starting center.

Backups

Dylan Wiesman, Junior (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Dylan Wiesman steps in at center with a unique ability to play any position on the offensive line. The 6’3″ 305 pound lineman played all 13 games last year in different spots in the rotation and started for two of them, so he is a perfect backup to Crowder. And he will be able to step in whenever needed at any position.

Riley Lovingood, Freshman (Hendersonville, Tenn.)

He may be only a two-star in Rivals, and he may redshirt this year, but Riley Lovingood is a guy who bleeds Tennessee orange, and don’t underestimate that. Lovingood will at least provide depth if he is needed, and if he develops in the future, he could be a reliable player.

Next: Final Take