We move on to another offensive lineman. Marcus Tatum would seem to play a position that is the most wide open this year as a tackle. He started five games there last year and has played only at tackle since arriving on campus.
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On top of that, Tennessee football’s best tackle and lineman overall from last year, Trey Smith, is out indefinitely. Chance Hall, who could play inside or outside, has to give up football. And Drew Richmond has entered the transfer portal.
As a result, the Vols have the fight to play tackle wide open. However, Tatum still has more to prove than the other linemen on this list for numerous reasons, not least of which was the fact that he has struggled at the position for three years.
But the big reason he’s got to worry is how Jeremy Pruitt has scored big on the recruiting trail. Jerome Carvin is all of a sudden a major threat, as he could move to outside if needed and already has experience in the system.
Then there is Wanya Morris and Darnell Wright. Both are prized recruits. Morris is an early enrollee and a five-star on some services. He was a unanimous five-star last summer, making it clear where his talent is. Meanwhile, Darnell Wright was the team’s top recruit. He was a unanimous five-star upon signing and will arrive in the summer. Four-star Chris Akporoghene is also an early enrollee who is listed as an offensive tackle as well.
Simply put, Tatum has a lot of competition to keep his job, and after last year, Jeremy Pruitt and Will Friend are looking for immediate help. Jim Chaney has no care what a player did last year as a newcomer anyway. So Tatum has a lot more to prove this spring than the other guys, and without doing something in a big way, he could be in trouble.