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Tennessee football’s five options to replace Caleb Tremblay and Ja’Quain Blakely

By Caleb Calhoun

Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Ja'Quain Blakely (48) before the game against the Purdue Boilermakers during the 2021 Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Ja'Quain Blakely (48) before the game against the Purdue Boilermakers during the 2021 Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee defensive lineman Amari McNeill (93) during the team’s football practice on Tuesday, August 10, 2021.Kns Ut Football Practice Bp
Tennessee defensive lineman Amari McNeill (93) during the team’s football practice on Tuesday, August 10, 2021.Kns Ut Football Practice Bp /

Redshirt freshman. 6'4 285 lbs. Amari McNeill. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 839. 4

Initially a two-way player, Amari McNeill committed to defensive line for Tennessee football when the new coaching staff arrived.

This all depends on how much developing he has done since joining Tennessee football, but the coaching staff wasn’t going to switch Amari McNeill over to the defensive line for no reason. They did that last year when the Vols were a lot more loaded on the defensive line and Josh Heupel had taken over to focus more on offense.

That suggests McNeill switched over because of what he can do, not so much to fill a void. Well, given his frame, he’s definitely a guy who could fill the void left by Caleb Tremblay and Ja’Quain Blakely. He was recruited as an offensive tackle and touted for his ability to play both sides as an athletic linemen coming out of high school.

Taking all of that into account, versatility is a big advantage for McNeill, and he’ll likely be able to easily line up in the middle or on the outside. Now, it is worth noting that he was a three-star across the board, but few players commit as two-way linemen.

As a result, McNeill has a great chance to replace Tremblay and Blakely and work his way into the rotation. Although he didn’t play at all last year, he has likely developed a good bit this offseason, and there are lots more openings this year. As a result, don’t be surprised if he sees the field.

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