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Tennessee football: 10 Vols who need a good spring practice for 2019

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: Offensive lineman Marcus Tatum #68 of the Tennessee Volunteers guards Zachary Carter #17 of the Florida Gators during the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida won the game 47-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: Offensive lineman Marcus Tatum #68 of the Tennessee Volunteers guards Zachary Carter #17 of the Florida Gators during the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida won the game 47-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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It’s no secret to anybody that Tennessee football had a historically bad offensive line last year. That’s why they scored five commitments up front, and two of them are already enrolled and practicing with the team. That makes it crucial for all major contributors to have a good spring just to stay ahead.

One of those guys is Jahmir Johnson. Once a junior college transfer, Johnson was threatening other people as the newcomer last year. But he had a very rocky start to the season. Still, he managed to start 11 games and got better over time.

After a year in the pro style and playing for Jeremy Pruitt, he needs to take a significant leap under Jim Chaney. Johnson is probably the best of the returning contributors on the inside and the least threatened, which is why we have him down here compared to other linemen we’re about to name.

After all, tackle and center are bigger threats, and Johnson probably played better than anybody else on the inside. Pruitt clearly likes him. But the nature of being an offensive lineman last year shows his job isn’t safe, and that’s why him having a successful spring is a huge deal. Like the other guys we’re about to name, if he can’t keep his job this year as a redshirt junior, he won’t have it next year. Recruits inside like four-star Jackson Lampley and three-star Melvin McBride will change that immediately.

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