Tennessee football’s five biggest spring practice position battles for 2022

3. Right tackle

Masai Reddick is the only offensive lineman for Tennessee football in 2022 who won’t be on the roster in spring ball. The commitment is arriving in the fall. However, Brian Grant, Maurice Clipper and Addison Nichols are all early enrollees. Florida Gators transfer Gerald Mincey has also already joined the team.

As a result, Josh Heupel, Glen Elarbee and Alex Golesh have enough to work with to figure out their rotation. Almost everybody on the line from last year is back. Darnell Wright returns at left tackle, Cooper Mays returns at center, Jerome Carvin returns at left guard and Javontez Spraggins returns at right guard.

However, Cade Mays was the most versatile player on the line, and he’s gone. That leaves a huge hole to fill at right tackle. The race will likely come down to Mincey, Nichols, Jeremiah Crawford and Dayne Davis. Crawford and Davis have the experience. Mincey and Nichols have the potential.

Still, there are plenty of other players on the Vols’ roster to choose from. Although this is indeed a position battle, it’s one Rocky Top shouldn’t worry about too much. The depth on the line is such that the Vols should absolutely be able to find somebody who can step in and replace Mays.