Tennessee football: 10 players Vols can least afford to lose for 2022

6’5″ 321 pounds

It was a big deal for Tennessee football when Jerome Carvin decided to come back for his graduate senior year. Last year, Carvin also had one of the lowest PFF regular season grades of anybody who played 100 snaps or more on offense, but that actually ignores a lot of the things he had to deal with, things that make him more valuable.

For starters, Carvin didn’t just play his role at left guard. He had to move to center for nearly half the year because of injuries to Cooper Mays, and while he struggled playing the position, he was the only person able to man it. That level of versatility alone is what would make it extremely difficult to lose him.

Carvin’s versatility stretches back to his freshman year, in 2018, as he has also played tackle, and he also has tons of experience in those roles. Although Javontez Spraggins and Ollie Lane emerged as reliable blockers last year, it’s clear that Carvin is the best interior lineman.

As a result, Carvin belongs on this list. His experience, versatility and proven production when he is at his position all make him incredibly valuable, and it’s enough to offset the fact that Tennessee football actually does have solid depth here.