Tennessee football: Top 15 dark-horse Vols for 2022

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Tennessee offensive lineman William Parker (64) runs on the field before an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.Kns Tennessee South Carolina Football /

9. player. 839. Scouting Report. Offensive lineman. r-Freshman. William Parker. Pick Analysis

6’5″ 310 pounds

Another offensive lineman on the list, William Parker was a highly touted recruit for Tennessee football in their 2021 recruiting class. Like R.J. Perry, the limited action he did see was at tackle, although in his case, it was at right tackle, not left tackle. Still, that doesn’t mean that he won’t be able to see the field this year.

For starters, right tackle was initially the open position. Glen Elarbee moved Darnell Wright back there from left tackle, and he move Dayne Davis to left tackle from right tackle, so it’s definitely possible that Parker gets a look on the other side of the line. That doesn’t seem to be as big a deal in this system as it is in other systems.

On top of that, even if Parker is locked in at right tackle, there’s got to be somebody backing up Wright. As a result, he could become a second-teamer, meaning he’ll see a good bit of action, and he’ll be an injury away from becoming a starter. All of this is definitely possible.

Playing on both sides of the ball in high school should help Parker understand the nuances of the position and gives him some versatility to be able to switch over if need-be. It’s not likely he beats out Davis, Jeremiah Crawford or Gerald Mincey, but he’s got a shot.

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