2. Who will the offensive tackles be?
For the offensive line to take the next step, the Vols need to find at least a couple of reliable tackles. The inside has a lot of potential with emerging star sophomore Jashon Robertson at right guard, and fifth-year seniors Mack Crowder and Marcus Jackson at center and left guard respectively. But with warrior senior Jacob Gilliam moving on, the Vols know they have at least one starting spot to fill, and Kyler Kerbyson has never been a real natural fit at tackle, so they will want to look at a lot of options on the outside. Sophomore Coleman Thomas has a lot of upside, though he struggled in his game opportunities last year. Expect him to get another good look at several spots, however, over the offseason.
Redshirt sophomore Brett Kendrick had some bright spots in 2014 and certainly will be in the mix. Kerbyson, though maybe not a natural as mentioned earlier, has the most experience. And the wild card is redshirt junior Dontavius Blair, who took a redshirt in 2014 after not being able to contribute straight out of junior college. His upside is enormous, but how will that translate to the field? Finding two out of that group, or anybody else who emerges, can solidify the offensive line and help answer the top questions heading into 2015.
