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Tennessee football: Top 10 players Vol have to face in 2020

By Caleb Calhoun

ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 1: Wide Receiver DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide makes a catch during the game against the Louisville Cardinals during the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. #1 ranked Alabama defeated Louisville 51 to 14. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 1: Wide Receiver DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide makes a catch during the game against the Louisville Cardinals during the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. #1 ranked Alabama defeated Louisville 51 to 14. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images /

Alabama Crimson Tide. Alex Leatherwood. 5. Scouting Report. Offensive lineman. player. 829. Pick Analysis

Senior; Pensacola, Fla.

6’6″ 312 pounds; Booker T. Washington High School

Offensive linemen should never be left out of the conversation, and a big reason Tennessee football will have to struggle with Najee Harris is because of Alex Leatherwood’s blocking. In fact, that’s the biggest reason the Alabama Crimson Tide don’t have to worry too much about undergoing a quarterback change this year.

At 6’6″ 312 pounds, the product of Booker T. Washington High School in Florida may be the best blocker in the SEC, and yes, that includes Trey Smith. Leatherwood moved back to left tackle last year after playing right guard in 2018, so he and Trey Smith basically flipped positions. In the process, he earned First Team All-American and First Team All-SEC honors.

With Leatherwood on the left side, Mac Jones will remain unlike, and Harris will have plenty of opportunities to break off long runs. There’s a reason he’s a Preseason All-American once again entering this year, and with more experience under his belt, he could become the best offensive lineman not just in the league but in the country.

Versatility is another huge bonus for Leatherwood, as we have already described. Nick Saban will be able to use him anywhere. Because of his play against the Vols, he was named the SEC’s Offensive Lineman of the Week the following week, as his blocking offset the injury to Tua Tagovailoa. Because of that, UT should be very aware of how great he is.

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