Tennessee football: 15 potential dark-horse Vols for 2019 season

A four-star commitment to Tennessee football’s 2018 recruiting class, Jerome Carvin hasn’t made a huge splash yet, but he’s now a body in a 10-man offensive line rotation looking to dramatically improve this year. And with his size getting to 6’5″ 313 pounds, he’s a guy Jeremy Pruitt will count on to be effective and provide depth this year.

But it could end up being more than that. Last year, Carvin played in 12 games and got six starts, all at guard, so he has plenty of experience on the interior of the offensive line. The depth chart has him backing up Brandon Kennedy at center, and since Kennedy missed all of 2018 due to injury and may not be fully right, there’s a chance Carvin emerges there.

The guy always brought with him potential, and he gained valuable experience last year. So it’s just a matter of when he takes the next step now, and while he should turn into a rotational guy on the inside this year, he also could likely take another major step.

Playing center is a crucial role, even as a backup. And if Trey Smith isn’t cleared to go, then Carvin will become one of five guys fighting for three interior line spots, even increasing his chances of playing. So he’s got a chance to be a surprise star this year.