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Tennessee football’s 10 underclassmen most likely to leave early for 2023 NFL Draft

By Caleb Calhoun

Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small (2) runs the ball against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small (2) runs the ball against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee offensive lineman Javontez Spraggins (76) blows a kiss to fans after a touchdown by Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) at the 2021 Music City Bowl NCAA college football game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.Kns Tennessee Purdue
Tennessee offensive lineman Javontez Spraggins (76) blows a kiss to fans after a touchdown by Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) at the 2021 Music City Bowl NCAA college football game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.Kns Tennessee Purdue /

839. 3. Pick Analysis. Offensive lineman. Junior. Javontez Spraggins. player. Scouting Report

6’3″ 325 pounds

We go to another underclassman offensive lineman all but penciled in as a starter for Tennessee football. Javontez Spraggins was a random commitment to Jeremy Pruitt’s class out of Illinois back in 2020. Last year, despite being recruited for his size, he was able to emerge as a starter in Josh Heupel’s tempo-based offense.

This year, the graduate of East St. Louis High School in St. Clair County, Ill., will almost certainly start opposite Jerome Carvin at guard. Those two will be surrounding Cooper Mays, and that should make for at least a very experienced interior line, which will help Spraggins.

Now, the one position replacing a starter on the line is right tackle, with Cade Mays gone, and that could put more pressure on Spraggins at right guard. On the other hand, his availability put his durability on display for the Vols last year.

Not having that drawback for NFL scouts is what puts him on this list over Mays. Both players could thrive on the interior this year, but based on 2021, you have to bet that Spraggins will play more in the process. Knowing that he’s a likely starter, that will give him plenty of chances to prove himself to NFL teams.

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