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Tennessee football 2019 preview by position: Vols OL

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 29: A general view of Neyland Stadium during the South Carolina Gamecocks game against the Tennessee Volunteers on October 29, 2011 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 29: A general view of Neyland Stadium during the South Carolina Gamecocks game against the Tennessee Volunteers on October 29, 2011 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Projected starters

Left tackle: Trey Smith

Junior; 6’6″ 325 lbs; Jackson, Tenn.

This is a big prediction, but Jeremy Pruitt said at SEC Media Days that Trey Smith is doing everything he can to get back on the field this fall. Tennessee football desperately needs Smith back, and it looks like he’s going to be back on the field. Smith remains the Vols’ best offensive lineman overall, so he’ll resume his role at left tackle this year.

Right tackle: Wanya Morris

Freshman; 6’4″ 313 lbs; Savannah, Ga.

He emerged in the spring as a freshman and became a starter in the Orange and White game. So Wanya Morris will win a starting job at right tackle with the Vols this year. Once a five-star, only injuries last year demoted his star ranking on some recruiting services. But he has the right size and five-star talent, so he should be a huge boost at right tackle.

Left guard: Jahmir Johnson

Redshirt junior; 6’5″ 285 lbs; Philadelphia, Pa.

Jahmir Johnson came on throughout last year, and he should become a very reliable blocker for Tennessee football on the interior this year. As a junior college transfer last year, Johnson has a solid bit of experience playing in a pro-style offense. He held onto his role in the spring at guard, so he should be the main starter at left guard when the season begins.

Right guard: Ryan Johnson

Redshirt junior; 6’6″ 301 lbs; Brentwood, Tenn.

After starting the first game at left guard last year, Ryan Johnson had to move over to center due to injury. However, he started all 12 games somewhere on the line and improved at center throughout the year. As a result, he should be much better moving back to guard but provides necessary depth now at center. So he’s a great starter in the rotation.

Center: Brandon Kennedy

Redshirt senior; 6’3″ 301 lbs; Wetumpka, Ala.

If Brandon Kennedy hadn’t suffered a season-ending injury in the Vols’ opener against the West Virginia Mountaineers, UT’s offensive line could have been much better. He was held out of the spring for precautionary reasons, but if he’s good to go in the Fall, his return should help make the unit overall much better.

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