Tennessee football: Top 10 in-state Vols on 2019 roster

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 24: Jauan Jennings #15 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs up the sideline with a 67-yard touchdown reception against the Florida Gators in the fourth quarter at Neyland Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee defeated Florida 38-28. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images /

Jeremy Pruitt’s recruiting on the offensive line over the last two years was not beneficial to lots of members who committed to play for Butch Jones. Even with Chance Hall and Eric Crosby being forced to retire due to injury and Trey Smith still being out, some guys fell behind. Riley Locklear and Nathan Niehaus were among them, and Drew Richmond even transferred.

However, Ryan Johnson has thrived in the system. He is Tennessee football’s most versatile offensive lineman and a typical member of the Brentwood pipeline to Rocky Top. Johnson is the best player from the Nashville suburb on the team this year.

At 6’6″ 313 pounds, Johnson entered last season as a starter at guard. However, Brandon Kennedy suffered a season-ending injury in the opener, so he started the final 11 games at center. That level of versatility, though, makes him the most valuable interior lineman on the Vols heading into this year.

Kennedy’s return at center allows Johnson to move back to guard, but he’s still the most crucial player of the three up front this year. And if the injury situation stays what it is right now, he’s the best offensive lineman from the state of Tennessee who is in the rotation. As you can see, he’s also just one of the best and most reliable players period from the state this year.

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