We get it, quarterback is the sexiest position for fans to keep an eye on, which is why so much of the focus at Tennessee football camp has been on Joey Aguilar and others. However, there's another tough decision on the way for Josh Heupel that more people need to be talking about.
In this case, we're talking about the starting center job. For the first time in a while, people in Knoxville will have to get used to former fan favorite Cooper Mays not being the go-to guy in the middle of the offensive line. So, who will be the next center to take over?
That's what Heupel is trying to figure out at camp, but there's been no clear sign of who's ahead in the race between Notre Dame transfer Sam Pendleton and fellow offensive lineman William Satterwhite. With the second scrimmage of the summer coming and Week 1 around the corner, a decision must be made soon.
Sam Pendleton and William Satterwhite are battling for Tennessee's center job
Throughout practices, offensive line coach Glen Elarbee has said that both guys have been busting their humps in trying to not only get better, but also stand out. Thus far, neither has been able to build a significant lead over the other, which is of course a good problem to have.
Pendleton transferred in from Notre Dame this offseason and his versatility is no question an added bonus for the Vols, as he can also play guard. With his experience, though, having him take over at center might be the best option for Heupel, though Satterwhite is hoping to have a say in things.
Should Pendleton go to to win the job at center, he'd be joined up front by left tackle Lance Heard, left guard Wendell Moe Jr. (an Arizona transfer), right guard James Perry and right tackle David Sanders Jr., the highly-touted 5-star OT who is entering his true freshman campaign.
As of this writing, we are 18 days away from the Syracuse game in Atlanta. By next week, Heupel needs to make a call at center and at quarterback. Plenty of signs are pointing to Aguilar and Pendleton winning their respective position battles, but nothing will be final until Heupel tells the entire team his decision.