Offensive Line
New additions: Drew Richmond, Jack Jones, Chance Hall, Zach Stewart, Venzell Boulware
Daniel: With Richmond and Boulware coming down to the wire, there were some nervous moments surrounding this group, but the Vols finished strong. Richmond is the headliner and the perfect finish to this class. He’s the first high school five-star offensive lineman (per Rivals.com rankings) that the Vols have signed since 2002. His upside is enormous with great size, balance and athleticism. I think he still has a ways to go from a technique standpoint, and that might hold him back a touch, but with the right coaching, he can be a star. Jones might be the most technically sound of the group and he plays with a great edge. It’ll be interesting to see if he ends up at guard or tackle. Stewart, Boulware and Hall all have good size and upside as well. It’s a really good group with some diversity and talent. It was exactly what UT needed to sign to get this position back on track. Grade: A
Houston: Once again, a late addition to a position group took it to the next level. Drew Richmond joining the Vols on signing day turned a decent class into a great one along the offensive line. The Vols were in desperate need of a future stud at offensive tackle, and they got it when Richmond flipped from Ole Miss. Chance Hall and jack Jones are already on campus to start their development, and each play with that nasty edge that you want in the trenches. Venzell Boulware and Zach Stewart may not have the star-power of some of the other players in the class, but should provide long-term depth with the potential to grow into starting roles later in their career. The Vols needed long-term depth and immediate help in this signing class at OL, and they were able get both with this group. Grade: A
