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Tennessee football: Five biggest reasons for excitement over Vols 2020 offseason

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 5: The Tennessee Volunteers mascot Smokey runs through the end zone after a score against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium on October 5, 2013 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 5: The Tennessee Volunteers mascot Smokey runs through the end zone after a score against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium on October 5, 2013 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images
Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images /

1. Trenches loaded

SEC games are won in the trenches. Jeremy Pruitt noted when he was first hired by Tennessee football that it’s no secret. Everybody knows you have to dominate the line of scrimmage. The Vols are now in shape to do that.

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In 2018, a horrendous offensive line held back Rocky Top. Then they had to break in a brand new defensive line in 2019. Well, going into 2020, they have everybody returning from both units, which improved dramatically down the stretch last season.

Starting with the defensive line, Greg Emerson, Aubrey Solomon and Darel Middleton all emerged up front last year. Savion Williams, Kurrott Garland provided depth. Matthew Butler, Ja’Quain Blakely and LaTrell Bumphus were all effective on the end. Well, all of those guys are back plus Emmit Gooden returning to health.

While the defensive line is loaded, offensive line could be insane. Wanya Morris and Darnell Wright became elite tackles as freshmen. They’re back. Brandon Kennedy got a sixth year of eligibility at center. Trey Smith, the Vols’ best lineman, shocked the world by coming back for his senior season. For depth, Riley Locklear, K’Rojhn Calbert, Jerome Carvin and Jahmir Johnson are all back.

We just named the contributors returning. On defense, the Vols also have Elijah Simmons and at least three new recruits who are four-stars. The offensive line, meanwhile, has Chris Akporoghene coming off his redshirt, four new recruits, and the transfer of Cade Mays, who could receive a hardship to play immediately.

Next. Ranking position groups in Vols 2020 class. dark

Simply put, there’s no way around the fact that Tennessee football should be loaded in the trenches when the 2020 season hits. That’s a major plus for them, and it could take them further than anything else in the program does. So it’s the top reason for excitement.

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