Tennessee football: 10 things to watch for in 2021 spring game

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: A view of the outside of Neyland Stadium before a game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers on September 15, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: A view of the outside of Neyland Stadium before a game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers on September 15, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images) /
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Offensive lineman Cade Mays (68) runs onto the field at an open University of Tennessee spring football practice at Neyland Stadium, Saturday, April 10, 2021.Utpractice0410 0211
Offensive lineman Cade Mays (68) runs onto the field at an open University of Tennessee spring football practice at Neyland Stadium, Saturday, April 10, 2021.Utpractice0410 0211 /

7. Offensive line rotation

Two of the three signees in Tennessee football’s 2021 recruiting class, Amari McNeill and junior college transfer Jeremiah Crawford, weren’t part of spring practice. However, in-state recruit William Griffin-Parker was among them. Then there are all the offensive linemen from last year’s rotation who are returning.

Taking all that into account, the rotation in the spring game Saturday will definitely be relevant. Obviously, with Trey Smith and Brandon Kennedy graduating and Wanya Morris and Jahmir Johnson having transferred, there are tons of openings on the line. The only reason it wasn’t among our top position battles was due to Crawford and McNeill not being there.

Still, Cade Mays, Jerome Carvin, K’Rojhn Calbert, Riley Locklear and Darnell Wright are returning key contributors. There are plenty of rising stars up front as well. How Josh Heupel and Glen Elarbee mix and match the guys will be very intriguing.

We should also note that the changing system, not just the departures, could shake up the rotation. Mays is the most versatile guy on the roster who could play anywhere, but Carvin and Calbert have that reputation as well. Could Heupel and Elarbee switch them around from last year? The spring game will reveal that.