Dissecting Tennessee’s offensive line and analyzing positional conflicts during spring drills

Tennessee’s offensive line has always been a critical unit in the team’s success, especially given the high-octane, fast-paced style of offense that head coach Josh Heupel has implemented. During the spring drills, the offensive line’s development and positional battles are some of the most closely watched aspects of the team’s progression. The 2025 season brings new challenges and opportunities, as Tennessee aims to refine its offensive line to continue supporting a high-powered attack and protecting a dynamic quarterback. Let’s take an in-depth look at the offensive line’s current makeup, positional conflicts during spring practice, and the importance of these drills as Tennessee moves toward the new season.

Tennessee’s Offensive Line: A Vital Component

The offensive line is often an overlooked group, but it is arguably the most important in any football program. In Tennessee’s case, the offensive line is central to not only protecting the quarterback but also opening up running lanes for the running back room. Heupel’s offense, which relies heavily on pace and space, needs a line that can create opportunities quickly and execute at a high level.

In 2024, Tennessee’s offensive line had its highs and lows. While there were moments of brilliance, especially in the run game, inconsistency at times led to struggles, particularly in pass protection. Heading into 2025, the expectation is that the unit will take a significant step forward, thanks to both returning starters and new faces stepping into more prominent roles.

However, spring drills bring to light numerous positional conflicts that need to be resolved before the season begins. Let’s break down the key positions and evaluate how the spring practices are shaping up.

Key Positional Battles

1. Left Tackle (LT)

The left tackle position is often seen as the most critical on the offensive line due to the need to protect the quarterback’s blindside. Last season, Tennessee relied on a mixture of personnel here, but the position never felt fully solidified. The departure of a key player or a potential move of a starter can have ripple effects throughout the rest of the offensive line.

Candidates for the Left Tackle Spot:

• John Campbell Jr.: A transfer from Miami, Campbell has shown promise as a solid pass protector and run blocker during spring drills. With the spring being an opportunity for new players to acclimate, Campbell is a strong candidate to claim the left tackle position and provide stability to the line.
• Gerald Mincey: Another candidate for the left tackle position is Mincey, who has played both tackle spots in previous seasons. Mincey has the versatility to slide into this key role if needed, but questions linger about his consistency at times.

This position battle will be one to watch as the Vols hope to find a solution to this critical spot on the offensive line. With an offense like Heupel’s, any inconsistency at left tackle could have far-reaching consequences for the success of the offense.

2. Left Guard (LG)

Left guard is typically the second most critical position on the interior of the line. This player must be able to both anchor in pass protection and execute in the run game. In 2024, Tennessee saw a mix of players at this position, and the performance here often dictated the overall success of the line.

Candidates for Left Guard:

• Cooper Mays: While Mays is technically the center, there have been times where his skills and leadership have made him an option for the left guard position, especially with his experience in different parts of the line.
• Darnell Wright: A versatile offensive lineman who has been experimenting at different spots during spring drills. If Wright impresses at left guard, it could provide a much-needed boost to the line.

The left guard position is significant, as it impacts both the passing and running game. Given Tennessee’s zone-running schemes, a strong left guard will be able to quickly create space and provide protection on the left side.

3. Center

The center is the anchor of the offensive line, calling out protections and making adjustments at the line of scrimmage. Last season, Cooper Mays was a stabilizing force in the middle, but with Mays returning for another season and additional competition in spring, this could be a chance for others to step up.

Candidates for Center:

• Cooper Mays: As mentioned, Mays is a proven leader and one of the top returning players on the offensive line. His experience and leadership make him a key player in both the run game and in identifying defensive fronts. He will likely be a fixture at center unless an injury or a drastic change occurs.
• Olaijah Griffin: Griffin has been working on gaining more experience and could be a potential depth piece for the center position, although it is still uncertain whether he will be used as a starting option in 2025.

Cooper Mays’ return should stabilize the unit, but Griffin’s development will be vital in providing depth at the center spot.

4. Right Guard (RG)

The right guard position is integral to the offense’s ability to run the ball effectively and create space on the right side of the line. Last season, this position was relatively stable, but with Tennessee’s depth on the offensive line, the competition remains fierce.

Candidates for Right Guard:

• Javontez Spraggins: Spraggins has been solid throughout his career at Tennessee and will likely be a top contender to maintain his starting spot at right guard. His physicality in the running game could be a key asset in Heupel’s offense, which often relies on opening up lanes for explosive plays.
• Caden Salter: A newer face in the mix, Salter could push for more playing time if he impresses during the spring drills. While not an immediate starter, Salter provides valuable depth and could develop into a starter with further seasoning.

Tennessee’s success at right guard will directly influence their ability to sustain drives, so this positional battle will be essential for the offensive line to be effective.

5. Right Tackle (RT)

Right tackle is another pivotal position, as it often faces the opposing defense’s best pass rushers. This is a key role, especially for a team like Tennessee that wants to get the ball out quickly and sustain long drives. The right tackle is tasked with both pass protection and the ability to contribute in the run game, making it an important piece of the overall puzzle.

Candidates for Right Tackle:

• Wanya Morris: A former Tennessee lineman, Morris has returned after transferring and is likely to be the favorite to start at right tackle. His experience on the line, both at Tennessee and at Oklahoma, will be invaluable for a unit that needs continuity and leadership.
• William Parker: Parker is a young lineman who has shown flashes of potential in spring practices. While still raw, his athleticism and size could make him a contender for playing time, especially if he excels in the final weeks of spring drills.

The battle at right tackle will ultimately depend on how well each player adapts to the system, as Heupel’s offense requires linemen who can quickly engage defenders and execute blocking schemes efficiently.

The Spring Drills and Positional Development

Spring practice is crucial for all teams, but it holds particular significance for Tennessee’s offensive line in 2025. Here, both the offensive and defensive units go head-to-head, with the offensive line being tested against Tennessee’s defensive line, which has its own set of formidable players.

During the spring, Tennessee will focus heavily on improving communication and cohesion along the offensive line. Offensive line play is as much about trust and timing as it is about physical ability, and spring drills provide the perfect opportunity to build that chemistry. It’s during these drills that positional battles truly take shape, with players striving to prove they have the necessary tools to start in the fall.

Additionally, the coaching staff will be paying close attention to each lineman’s ability to execute Heupel’s fast-paced offense, as it demands quick, sharp decisions and precise blocking schemes. With a few key players departing and some injuries affecting depth, it will be interesting to see which players step up and solidify themselves as starters during the spring practices.

As Tennessee heads into the 2025 season, the development of the offensive line will be one of the most critical storylines of the spring drills. With numerous positional conflicts and competition for key spots, the outcome of these battles will shape the offense’s success in the fall. Whether it’s the left tackle spot, right guard, or even the center position, each role is integral to the team’s ability to execute its high-tempo system.

The competition at each position is intense, and while Tennessee has several returning players who will be expected to lead, the spring drills present an opportunity for newcomers to prove themselves. The Vols’ success in 2025 will depend on the offensive line’s ability to gel and protect the quarterback, while also establishing a strong running game. The result of these positional conflicts during the spring will ultimately determine how well Tennessee can execute on both sides of the ball when the season begins.