Tennessee center Cooper Mays underwent a “minor procedure” Wednesday ahead of the Vols’ first fall scrimmage, head coach Josh Heupel announced Thursday.
“Coop had a minor procedure late yesterday,” Heupel said. “He’ll be back, he’ll be healthy as we get closer to kick-off. Anticipate that being a couple week deal. Today we rotated through a bunch of guys. Ollie (Lane), Parker Ball, young guys— Vysen (Lang), Addison Nichols and those guys are all competing for those spots and have taken reps even when Cooper’s here as we look for that back-up center spot.”
Mays has been Tennessee’s starter at center for each of the last two seasons and ever since Heupel took over as the Vols’ head coach. Injuries have been a mild issue for Mays over the last two seasons, particularly in 2021 when he missed five full games and parts of the eight games he played in.
The Knoxville native is a Preseason Third Team All-SEC selection.
Jerome Carvin has been Tennessee’s starting left guard and backup center each of the last two seasons but is now off to professional football. The Vols have worked a number of backup centers since spring camp began.
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During open portions of practice over recent days, Ollie Lane has received first team center practice reps. Lane is competing to replace Carvin as Tennessee’s starting left guard and the veteran’s cross training continued during the Vols’ Thursday scrimmage.
“Ollie (is) really smart. Has played a lot of football,” Heupel said. “Played multiple positions. Has repped at the three interior spots since the time that we’ve gotten here. He’s been really good. The communication, the mechanics, us being able to play with tempo the way that we want to when it presents itself. It’s been really easy for him to transition inside.”
While Mays injury isn’t a positive, the fact that he’s expected back by the season opener is a major win. It also forces Tennessee to figure out its backup spot during fall practice
Mays and Preseason Third Team All-SEC offensive guard Javontez Spraggins are back for their senior seasons as are Gerald Mincey and Jeremiah Crawford who split time at left tackle last season. Crawford is working at right tackle this fall while Mincey is competing with Miami transfer John Campbell for the starting left tackle job.
Along with Carvin, Tennessee has to replace NFL Draft top 10 pick Darnell Wright along its offensive line.
