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Tennessee football’s top 10 returning underclassmen in 2022 spring practice

By Caleb Calhoun

Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jaylen Wright (20) celebrates the touchdown of running back Jabari Small (2) against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jaylen Wright (20) celebrates the touchdown of running back Jabari Small (2) against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee offensive lineman Cooper Mays (63) and Tennessee offensive lineman Kingston Harris (54) drill during fall football practice at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021.Kns Ut Fball Saturday
Tennessee offensive lineman Cooper Mays (63) and Tennessee offensive lineman Kingston Harris (54) drill during fall football practice at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021.Kns Ut Fball Saturday /

Pick Analysis. Offensive lineman. Junior. Cooper Mays. 839. Scouting Report. 8. player

6’3″ 296 pounds

In terms of sheer potential, Cooper Mays is much higher on this list. The brother of Cade Mays was once a four-star across the board and is the one guy who is proven and reliable at playing center for Tennessee football. He played in all 10 games with two starts as a freshman and has experience to back up his potential.

However, last year, Mays battled injuries lots of the time. He finished fifth in PFF regular season grades among blockers, but it was at 58.7, and three others are coming back, including Darnell Wright and Jeremiah Crawford. The graduate of Knoxville Catholic High School in Knox County, Tenn., missed five games due to injury and left two others, his first two starts, due to them.

To be fair, though, there was a significant drop-off at center when Mays was out. Also, Mays only started three games for the Vols in which they weren’t playing a top 20 team and Hendon Hooker was the starting quarterback, so he missed out on the best opportunities to look good.

As a result, he’s still a valuable returning starter and should take a huge leap forward this year, but based on last year’s production, he’s not as high as he may seem on the list of underclassmen right now. There are some things he has to prove first.

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