Offensive line
Drew Richmond
Initial ranking: ★★★★
Was it a good ranking? A five star according to some, Richmond was a top-tier four star according to the composite ranking. There was a hope, at least among the fanbase, that he might come in and start immediately and provide an upgrade at a previously very shaky offensive tackle spot. And while Richmond looks the part and moves well for his size, he never saw the field as a freshman, watching classmate Chance Hall get that opportunity. I’m not out on Richmond, though I don’t think he lived up to his ranking in his freshman year. Butch Jones says it all the time though – it’s a developmental position. I’d rerank him as a lower four star with upside that needs to be proven on the field in the coming years.
Rerank: ★★★★
Jack Jones
Initial ranking: ★★★★
Was it a good ranking? Jones was rated as a solid prospect, and he looked like a solid player in his first year in Knoxville. He filled in when injuries piled up against Georgia and did a good job. He appeared in eight other games as a backup and looks like a player that will be a big part of UT’s future plans on the offensive line.
Rerank: ★★★★
Chance Hall
Initial ranking: ★★★
Was it a good ranking? It could’ve been a disaster when the Vols were forced to thrust a freshman into action at right tackle, but Hall responded in a big way. Largely unheralded as a recruit, Hall stepped in at right tackle when Brett Kendrick had some injury issues and played extremely well for a true freshman, earning All-SEC honors in the process. You can pencil him in as a starter at one of the tackle spots in 2016 and beyond. He’d either be a high four star or possibly even a five star in a reranking.
Rerank: ★★★★
Venzell Boulware
Initial ranking: ★★★
Was it a good ranking? Boulware joined Richmond as a redshirt, though he looked like a big, athletic guy in practice who could contribute down the road. Three-star status seems about right for now until we find out more.
Rerank: ★★★
