Tennessee football’s five most concerning signs from 2022 spring practice
1. There is still no option behind Cooper Mays at center
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Once again, Cooper Mays dealt with injuries this spring. In Tennessee football’s open scrimmage, that resulted in tons of poor snaps, which led to a horrendous day by the offensive line, including numerous sacks and a defensive touchdown off a fumble in the backfield.
It all came down to Mays being injured. Jerome Carvin was still getting looks there, but the fact of the matter is he can’t play center. It showed last year, and it’ll show if they put him there again this year. He may be the most serviceable option, but it limits his ability to dominate given how good he is now at guard.
Jeremiah Crawford got looks at center throughout spring ball, and so did newcomer Addison Nichols. Both are valued for their abilities at tackle, Crawford with his experience there and Nichols with his potential. If they’re getting looks, it means this is a real issue.
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Should Mays finally manage to be healthy all of next year, this won’t be a problem for Tennessee football, but history suggests that’s not likely to happen. As a result, the Vols desperately need a new option at backup center. Not having one hampers their whole line, as we saw with their short-yardage run plays last year. That can’t happen again.