Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for against Ball State
Scouting Report. Senior. player. 839. Pick Analysis. Offensive lineman. Jerome Carvin. 3
6’5″ 321 pounds
An elite collection of linebackers with everybody healthy for Ball State could pose a problem for Tennessee football. The Vols need to establish the rushing attack, as that has always been what makes Josh Heupel’s offense go. That means their interior blocking needs to be on point, and nobody is more important there than Jerome Carvin.
Since Ball State runs a 3-4, Carvin will often be matched up with Tavion Woodard, a defensive end who is likely their best player on the line. This will make him crucial not just for carving out pathways in the run game but also protecting Hendon Hooker from his blind side.
Carvin is the most experienced player on the line, and there are still questions at left tackle between Jeremiah Crawford and Gerald Mincey. As a result, he’s the most sure bet for that side, and in this game, it will be the most crucial side. That’s what renders Cooper Mays and Darnell Wright, who are likely better, slightly less important.
If the blocking on the interior and on the left side is solid, the Vols should have no problem doing what everybody expects them to do against Ball State. Carvin is obviously key to both, and that’s how he makes this list as one of the most important players in this game.