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Tennessee football: 10 Vols who could leave early for NFL after 2019

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers takes a hand off from Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 24-7. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers takes a hand off from Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 24-7. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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Similar to Jahmir Johnson, Ryan Johnson worked his way into being a regular starter last year, and he ended up starting all 12 games for Tennessee football. After the season-ending injury to Brandon Kennedy in the opener against the West Virginia Mountaineers, Johnson managed to start 11 games at center.

Kennedy’s return and the new recruiting class will limit Johnson’s chances of being in the rotation, similar to Jahmir Johnson as well. But also like Jahmir Johnson, Ryan Johnson has the benefit of being a guard as well. And unlike Jahmir Johnson, Ryan Johnson has multiple places he can play on the line since he can play center.

Add in the fact that Ryan Johnson is the top guard on the depth chart right now, ahead of Jahmir Johnson, and he’s almost certainly likely to be a regular starter when you add in the fact that he’s No. 2 at center. As a result, he’s significantly higher on our list in terms of making an impact for the team and for NFL scouts.

Again, this will depend on how much the Vols, and Johnson in particular, improve on the offensive line this year. But if there’s a dramatic uptick, Johnson will be able to sell his versatility and value. And as a redshirt junior, that could definitely be enough for him to head off to the NFL after 2019.

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