Tennessee football: Top 10 potential dark-horse Vols for 2018 season

Tennessee football’s offensive line isn’t as much of a concern as the secondary. But it has just as many questions, particularly when it comes to the rotation overall. As a result, the Vols have a few linemen who could shock us by becoming starters.

Jahmir Johnson is one of those guys. A three-star junior college transfer, Johnson was part of the 2018 class and committed to Jeremy Pruitt. As a result, you know Pruitt and Helton are going to be fans of his and push him hard.

Right now, one tackle spot is likely taken with Drew Richmond, a guard spot is likely taken with Trey Smith, and Johnson won’t play center. That leaves a guard spot and a tackle spot that are open for starters.

Don’t be surprised if Johnson works his way into one of those roles. The 6’5″ 285-pound redshirt sophomore is a little smaller than you would expect other linemen to be in Pruitt’s system, but he has been garnering a lot of praise. And he’s gotten a lot more work with Will Friend due to the limitations of Trey Smith and Chance Hall this fall camp.

Simply put, you could definitely see Johnson in the rotation this season, and he could shock the world by becoming a starter. We’ll keep tabs on him, but don’t be surprised if he emerges into a regular everyday player. The coaches didn’t target him for nothing. Pruitt has noted that he has a very bright future. That future could come sooner than expected.