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Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for at Pitt

By Caleb Calhoun

From left, Tennessee offensive lineman Cooper Mays (63), Head Coach Josh Heupel, quarterback Hendon Hooker (5), and Offensive Analyst Mitch Militello stand before the Pride of the Southland Band as they perform “Tennessee Waltz” after a win in the NCAA college football game between the Tennesse Volunteers and Vanderbilt Commodores in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, November 27, 2021.Kns Tennessee Vanderbilt Football
From left, Tennessee offensive lineman Cooper Mays (63), Head Coach Josh Heupel, quarterback Hendon Hooker (5), and Offensive Analyst Mitch Militello stand before the Pride of the Southland Band as they perform “Tennessee Waltz” after a win in the NCAA college football game between the Tennesse Volunteers and Vanderbilt Commodores in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, November 27, 2021.Kns Tennessee Vanderbilt Football /
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Tennessee offensive lineman Cooper Mays (63) takes the field before the Tennessee football season opener game against Ball State in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022.Kns Utvbs0901
Tennessee offensive lineman Cooper Mays (63) takes the field before the Tennessee football season opener game against Ball State in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022.Kns Utvbs0901 /

Pick Analysis. Offensive lineman. 2. player. 839. Scouting Report. Junior. Cooper Mays

6’3″ 296 pounds

Gerald Mincey and Jeremiah Crawford will both be key for Tennessee football to protect the passing game. However, the Vols have to be able to run the ball, and key to that for them will be what they can do on the interior. Again, since the left side and interior blocking are both crucial, Jerome Carvin almost made the list.

However, a player who can block a defensive tackle and then an inside linebacker is even more key. Enter Cooper Mays. He’s fully healthy this time around, unlike last year when the Vols played Pitt, and they should remain in great shape with him lining up at center. However, UT needs more than ever from him in this game.

Calijah Kancey at defensive tackle is arguably Pitt’s best player. If he isn’t, then SirVocea Dennis at linebacker fits that mold. Last year, Dennis led the team in solo tackles with 82, and Kancey led the team in tackles for a loss with 13, including seven sacks. That’s insane for a defensive tackle.

Against WVU, Dennis had a sack, a hurry and seven tackles, four of which were solo. Kancey had two hurries, a tackle for a loss and five tackles, three of which were solo. Mays will be crucial to handling both of them at different times, so he is UT’s most important lineman.

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