Just as Tennessee football was getting things going on offense, Riley Locklear got hurt up front. This was, of course, during the second half against the Georgia Bulldogs, when the offense really made a run.
However, an injury to Locklear forced him to get surgery. The offense still did enough to score wins over the Auburn Tigers and Kentucky Wildcats, but it was largely the Vols’ defense that came through in those key wins.
Meanwhile, when the offense was needed in the second half of games against the South Carolina Gamecocks, Missouri Tigers and Vanderbilt Commodores, they struggled to find balance. A lot of that had to do with Locklear being hurt up front. He was simply not the same guy down the stretch of the season due to his surgery.
As a result, despite this loaded offensive line class, Locklear’s return to full health could be huge for Rocky Top. He’s a very reliable and has a better understanding of the offense than most. That will be a huge boost to the run game, especially with him having another full offseason to learn the system. Simply put, him being fully healthy would be a major plus, and that’s why we have him on our list.