Tennessee football: New preferred walk-on could provide major value to OL

Walk-ons are commonplace for Tennessee football. When the Vols add them, it’s usually not news. However, the recent history of the program under Josh Heupel suggests anybody can become a key contributor, and a recent addition certainly fits that mold.

Offensive lineman Gus Hill out of Fayetteville High School in Lincoln County, Tenn., has committed to Rocky Top as a preferred walk-on two days ahead of the Early Signing Period. This is an underrated commitment for UT.

According to Dan Harralson of VolsWire, Hill stands at 6’4″ 300 pounds and received this opportunity back in October. He has no ratings on any recruiting services and announced his decision to join Tennessee football Monday afternoon on Twitter.

Given the state of the Vols and Heupel’s system, walk-ons can be the most effective from the offensive line. Dayne Davis proved that this past year, stepping up as a preferred walk-on and becoming one of the most reliable offensive linemen in the rotation.

Next year, depending on what Cade Mays does, there’s a chance that Davis becomes a starter. He was Rocky Top’s best offensive tackle last spring, given all the injuries there at that time, and he’s not going anywhere.

Hill could provide that same value. Next year, most of the line is returning, but depth up front will still be crucial. That was a weakness for the Vols this year, and Hill could be an overlooked player who may provide that.

Also, after next year, UT will likely have a ton of talent to replace. Jerome Carvin and K’Rojhn Calbert will certainly be gone by then. Darnell Wright could leave, as he will have graduated, and if he has a successful year, he will likely be a coveted NFL Draft prospect.

Taking that into account, Heupel will need serious depth for 2023, and that’s where Hill could come into play. Simply put, Tennessee football has found diamonds in the rough at offensive line more than anywhere else in the past, and Hill may be another one for them.