Tennessee football: 10 Vols who should have breakout years in 2019

Tennessee football: 10 Vols who should have breakout seasons in 2019

KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 3: Wide receiver Josh Palmer #84 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs for yards with Jeff Gemmell #34 of the Charlotte 49ers and Ben DeLuca #28 of the Charlotte 49ers defending during the game between the Charlotte 49ers and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 14-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images /

Once a four-star recruit to the Alabama Crimson Tide, Brandon Kennedy transferred to Tennessee football last summer and was inserted into the starting center position immediately. After struggling in the opener against the West Virginia Mountaineers, he unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury.

However, Kennedy was a four-star recruit, has three years practicing in the pro-style system and has appeared in games over the course of two years at the SEC level. So at 6’3″ 301 pounds, he should be able to have an impact this year as a full-time starter.

Due to Kennedy’s time missing spring ball and his recovery from injury, he will likely be rusty to start the season. So he’s probably not going to emerge as an elite blocker immediately. But by the middle of the season, there’s a chance he’s the biggest star up front as the center with experience and lots of talent.

Jeremy Pruitt wanted Kennedy for a reason, and the addition of Jim Chaney, an offensive line guru, along with Will Friend still being there helps a lot. Add in the improved conditioning program, and Kennedy should be good to go for the fall as an anchor of the offensive line. He’s almost guaranteed to already start, which is why he’s so high on the list.

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