Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for vs. Alabama
Pick Analysis. Darnell Wright. player. 839. Scouting Report. Offensive lineman. Senior. 2
6’6″ 335 pounds
Yes, Hendon Hooker will be crucial. That’s a given. However, Tennessee football’s offense will depend on its receivers and pass protection. Forget running the ball. Even A&M and the Texas Longhorns failed to do that. What will be key is protecting Hooker at all costs so he can get the ball to his playmakers.
Will Anderson Jr. is the best defensive player in the nation and maybe the best player in the nation. He’ll be lining up on both sides. However, more often than not, he lines up against the other team’s right tackle. Enter Darnell Wright, the best combination of raw talent and experience on this line.
Wright will be tasked with earning his 2019 five-star rating this week more than ever. If he does his job, then his billing will have been worth it, as the Vols could be thinking about a College Football Playoff berth. However, again, facing Anderson is going to be a brutal task.
Now, Anderson will line up on the other side, making Gerald Mincey, Jeremiah Crawford, Dayne Davis or all three crucial. However, not knowing who will line up over there and Anderson’s tendency to line up opposite the right tackle more makes Wright a much more critical player. Yes, an offensive lineman will be most crucial for the Vols.