Tennessee football: Top 10 winners from Vols 2019 spring practice

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Josh Palmer #84 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs for yards after a catch during a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Josh Palmer #84 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs for yards after a catch during a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
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Tennessee football needs immediate improvement on the offensive line. That is a clear need to identify. The unit struggled overall in Saturday’s spring game, so you would think that it would be hard to name winners from there.

However, this unit wasn’t fully healthy. Guys being limited and the wait for some of the newcomers made the struggles somewhat expected. One of the guys who was consistent as a performer throughout the spring, though, was Jahmir Johnson.

A junior college transfer from last year’s team, this was Johnson’s first spring. He played and even started some last year, but he was never able to really blossom into a reliable blocker. However, the coaches consistently touted his play throughout the spring, which counts for something, and he made it on the first-team offense for the Orange and White game.

As a result, Johnson is in solid shape for the Vols heading into fall camp. The competition is clearly not over with the newcomers arriving, but Johnson’s versatility, being able to play guard or tackle, works significantly in his favor. Jeremy Pruitt targeted him specifically for a reason with his first recruiting class in 2018. Now, Johnson is on track to be a regular starter this season.