All for Tennessee
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 25
Next
Tennessee offensive lineman Cooper Mays during Tennessee football practice on Thursday, April 22, 2021.Kns Ut Practice
Tennessee offensive lineman Cooper Mays during Tennessee football practice on Thursday, April 22, 2021.Kns Ut Practice /

Center

1. Cooper Mays

When he was healthy, Cooper Mays looked like an NFL-caliber center for Tennessee football. To this point, he remains the only player on the roster who has actually proven he can play the position, and that makes sense since he was recruited specifically to play it. The drop-off without him was clear last year.

In the spring, Mays was banged up again. It’s crucial he get fully healthy in the fall. Not only are there no other proven centers, but his injuries will require the Vols to tap into depth elsewhere. The combination of those things could be disastrous for the line.

2. Addison Nichols

Probably the most highly-touted recruit in the Vols’ 2022 class, Addison Nichols was a huge value as an early enrollee. As a long-term blocker, he’ll likely be a tackle, but with questions at center this year, Nichols will probably back up Mays for the time being.

The coaches gave Nichols snaps at center in the spring, and that’s where he needs to develop. It helps him see the field and helps the team have the flexibility it needs on the line. Given the fact that it’ll add to Nichols’ versatility when he’s ready to start full-time in a year or two, him picking this up by fall camp is a good bet.

Home/Vols Football