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Tennessee football: Projecting two-deep depth chart for 2022

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) hands the ball off to Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) during an SEC conference game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021.Kns Tennessee Vanderbilt Football
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) hands the ball off to Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) during an SEC conference game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021.Kns Tennessee Vanderbilt Football /
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Sep 18, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel congratulates Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman Darnell Wright (58) during the first half against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel congratulates Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman Darnell Wright (58) during the first half against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

Left tackle

1. Darnell Wright

Losing Jahmir Johnson and Wanya Morris forced Tennessee football to move Darnell Wright over to left tackle. Once a five-star, Wright finally returns after a fully healthy season in the same system. As a result, this is his chance to finally live up to the hype. He was the highest rated recruit coming out of anybody in this rotation.

A PFF grade of 59.5 in the regular season isn’t great, but Wright was dealing with a lack of help on the left side, as his left guard often had to move over to center due to injuries. Compound that with him learning a new system, and you can see why he would have struggled.

2. Gerald Mincey

Last year, Jeremiah Crawford backed up right, but circumstances likely require he become a starter elsewhere this year. As a result, Florida Gators transfer Gerald Mincey will fill this role. Mincey is a redshirt freshman, so he can learn behind Wright for a year and then become the full-time starter in 2023, or 2024 if Wright stays for his graduate senior season.

Either way, look for Mincey to make an impact in the rotation next year. He was highly touted in the transfer portal, and landing him was a huge deal for Tennessee football. Josh Heupel set the Vols up for the future on the line with that pickup.

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