Offensive Line
Daniel:
LT: 1. Kyler Kerbyson 2. Drew Richmond/Brett Kendrick
LG: 1. Marcus Jackson 2. Austin Sanders
C: 1. Mack Crowder 2. Dylan Wiesman
RG: 1. Jashon Robertson 2. Jack Jones
RT: 1. Coleman Thomas 2. Dontavius Blair
Thoughts: I have practically no confidence here. I’m pretty much going with the same four that ended 2014 starting and the most experienced option – Thomas – to replace Jacob Gilliam. Will it actually look like this? Who knows. Blair and newcomers such as Richmond and Jones, especially, could all push for playing time and there are a ton of unknowns with them. Veterans Wiesman, Kendrick and Sanders will keep battling too. Several guys like Kerbyson, Jones and Thomas have position versatility, so there are a lot of options going forward. Kerbyson, however, did say at a recent offseason function that he’s been working pretty much only at LT, so it looks like the Vols might be going for continuity going forward.
Houston:
LT: 1.Dontavius Blair 2. Drew Richmond
LG: 1. Marcus Jackson 2. Austin Sanders
C: 1. Coleman Thomas 2. Mack Crowder
RG: 1. Jashon Robertson 2. Jack Jones
RT: 1. Kyler Kerbyson 2. Brett Kendrick
Thoughts: Confidence Level: Zero. I filled this out assuming that listing a player at multiple positions was a no-no, but, in reality, I think there are actually about seven or eight players that I feel comfortable with at this point. The two guard spots are set with Robertson and Jackson, and after that it’s anyone’s guess. Dontavius Blair has all of the talent and potential in the world, and could be in line for a really nice season at tackle if he can pick up the playbook. I like Kerbyson at a tackle spot as well, but could also see him as the primary backup for both guard spots in a pinch. Coleman Thomas is a better physical talent than Mack Crowder, and I believe Thomas’ switch to center during bowl practice could prove to be a long-term move considering he played the position for a run-first team in high school.
Reed:
LT: 1. Dontavius Blair 2. Drew Richmond
LG: 1. Marcus Jackson 2. Dylan Wiesman
C: 1. Mack Crowder 2. Coleman Thomas
RG: 1. Jashon Robertson 2. Jack Jones
RT: 1. Brett Kendrick 2. Kyler Kerbyson
Thoughts: This is brutal to project. I’m counting on Crowder to hold off Thomas – who was recruited as a center but played out of position last year. Kendrick was solid at left tackle but never seemed to win the favor of the coaches. Maybe he’ll do that this offseason because he’s one of just a few true tackles on the team. He would be better on the right side if given the shot. Will Blair step up and win the starting left tackle job? I watched him extensively in practice last season and he looked like he could help the team. The staff chose to redshirt him with the hopes that added strength would help him reach his potential. Jackson and Robertson should start at guard barring injury.
