All for Tennessee
Fansided

Evaluating Tennessee football’s 2023 class at dead period: OL

By Caleb Calhoun

The Tennessee Volunteer waves a Power T flag during the Vol Walk ahead of a game against Pittsburgh at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.Kns Tennessee Pittsburgh Football
The Tennessee Volunteer waves a Power T flag during the Vol Walk ahead of a game against Pittsburgh at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.Kns Tennessee Pittsburgh Football /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Mount Juliet’s Ayden Bussell (77) watches his teammates during the first half against Station Camp at Station Camp High School in Gallatin, Tenn., Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021.Schs Mtjhs Fb 093021 An 022
Mount Juliet’s Ayden Bussell (77) watches his teammates during the first half against Station Camp at Station Camp High School in Gallatin, Tenn., Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021.Schs Mtjhs Fb 093021 An 022 /

Commitments at OL for 2023

 Shamurad Umarov

  • Four-star (247Sports, ESPN); Three-star (On3, Rivals)
  • 6’6″; 290-340 lbs
  • Alpharetta, Ga.; Denmark High School

There’s clearly a wide range of size with it comes to Shamurad Umarov, but Tennessee football got a great pickup in this Georgia prospect. Umarov was the one offensive lineman to commit to the Vols during this recruiting streak in July Josh Heupel was able to enjoy.

Standing at 6’6″, Umarod is clearly an offensive tackle, and with the Vols already facing questions there this year, that’s always going to be a position of need. Although the range in his weight makes his size a huge question, it also adds to the versatility factor that’s crucial in Heupel’s system, as he may be able to get Umarod where he needs to more easily.

Ayden Bussell

  • Three-star
  • 6’4″-6’5″; 285-295 lbs
  • Mount Juliet, Tenn.; Mount Juliet High School

The third commitment in the Vols’ 2023 recruiting class and the first to commit this year, Ayden Bussell made his decision back in January. He brings a bit more versatility, as he is listed as an offensive tackle on Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN while On3 has him as an interior offensive lineman. That leaves some questions with his commitment.

Still, Bussell can clearly play multiple spots on the line, and that allows him to bring to the table what Cade Mays brought and Jerome Carvin is still bringing, even if he doesn’t have the hype either of them have. Glen Elarbee can be trusted to find the best spot for him, so he’s a solid get.

Home/Vols Football