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Tennessee football’s 10 toughest players to replace for 2022

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 6, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) and defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) and defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays (68) points to fans while celebrating after an SEC football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. Tennessee defeated Kentucky 45-42.Tennvskentucky1106 2877
Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays (68) points to fans while celebrating after an SEC football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. Tennessee defeated Kentucky 45-42.Tennvskentucky1106 2877 /

Offensive lineman. Pick Analysis. NFL Draft. Cade Mays. 4. player. 87. Scouting Report

Drafted by Carolina Panthers (Round 6, pick 199)

A huge reason for Cade Mays being this high is K’Rojhn Calbert transferring. Calbert was hurt last year, and it seemed like he could return this year with Tennessee football just plugging him in at right tackle. However, he has since transferred, and that leaves the Vols scrambling to find a replacement on that side of the line.

Mays, at 6’5″ 311 pounds, wasn’t just useful because of his play at right tackle last year, though. His versatility allowed for more depth across the board, and that’s something that UT will miss dearly. Spring ball showed they’re having a hard time replacing him.

Right now, some candidates who could replace him are having to see action at center, like Addison Nichols and Jeremiah Crawford, because there’s no real depth behind Mays’ brother, Cooper Mays, there. Dayne Davis, a walk-on, is one of the guys seeing lots of action. Gerald Mincey could still come on, but that’s in question.

Simply put, Mays is a hard guy to replace. The number of names is why he’s not even higher, but he’s still pretty high. Although his versatility could be more tweener status at the NFL level, it couldn’t be questioned in college. He played all five positions, and UT will have a hard time replacing that.

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