Offensive line
Marcus Tatum
Initial ranking: ★★★
Was it a good ranking? It should’ve been a redshirt year for Tatum, who was simply too small to play in the SEC in 2016. He was forced to play against Alabama when injuries mounted on the offensive line, thus burning the redshirt opportunity. It was tough to gather much about about him in that limited sample size. It’s a shame that the redshirt was wasted, because he has some upside once he can add some strength and weight to his frame.
Rerank: ★★★
Nathan Niehaus
Initial ranking: ★★★
Was it a good ranking? A tall O-line prospect who, like Tatum, needs to add some weight to his frame, Niehaus did get the opportunity to redshirt in 2016. Butch Jones likes to get athletic tackles and develop them over time, so we’ll see if Niehaus turns into one of his successful projects.
Rerank: ★★★
Ryan Johnson
Initial ranking: ★★★★
Was it a good ranking? Johnson, a versatile lineman who could ultimately end up at center, also took a redshirt in 2016. He might be another year or two away from contributing, but that’s fairly standard for an SEC offensive lineman and a sign that the Vols have somewhat replenished the depth on the O-line.
Rerank: ★★★
Devante Brooks
Initial ranking: ★★★
Was it a good ranking? After an injury-plagued high school career, the Vols stuck with Brooks and brought him in as a jumbo tight end. By midseason, he was working with the offensive line, and that appears to be his future. With his injuries, a redshirt was always a strong possibility in 2016, and that’s exactly what happened.
Rerank: ★★★
