2025 OL depth

[Brave Volunteer]

After last season, I almost want to move big boy Heard to OG. Maybe we can coach him up to his potential. Big guy needs to be in shape and nasty for next season.

He needs to drop some weight. No offense intended, but the dude is a doughy fat ass! He needs to shed about 25 pounds and change his body. He looks like Vince Wilfork out there playing OT. He's listed at 340 and I'll bet at least 40 of that is in his gut. Plus, I don't know how strong Heard is in the weightroom, but he doesn't show a lot of strength and explosiveness on the field. Not to mention all of the bone-headed mental mistakes he makes on the field!

In case you haven't figured it out, I'm not a Heard fan at all. I don't like him, period! Probably my least favorite OT we've had a UT since Albert Toeaina.

 

[Shirleyudontmeanthat]

Spraggins was never 100% back from knee injury. Campbell was pretty good until his knees were shot 2 games into the season. The rest were Pretty good , until u played elite DL and then not good at all

 

[LookoutforVols]

Here’s the Center - William Satterwhite…

I believe Sam Pendelton (ND transfer) is also projected at Center.

 

[LAVol1]

I believe Sam Pendelton (ND transfer) is also projected at Center.

Heupel has valued OL who can play multiple positions. I think Pendleton can play G or C at a high level. My guess, based on what I have read from multiple sources, all of which are speculating, is that Pendleton will likely start at guard and be our insurance at C in case Satterwhite gets injured.

 

[pimo1]

Sanders is not playing LG and Max Anderson is listed as backup C. I believe Pendleton also played C at Notre Dame, so I doubt Perry is used there.

Yup, Pendleton was listed as the backup center for ND. And yeah, you are right Sanders at guard? lol.. the logic of playing LG to move to LT is novel.... but that's not how it works the two positions only have one thing in common: the L. RT is where you train your future LT. That's like saying you're gonna put a guy as NT to train him to be a Leo next year.

 

[TAF]

I believe Sam Pendelton (ND transfer) is also projected at Center.

So, I hear...which his transfer took place after my post you quoted. Good to have choices at the position, eh?

 

[RockyTopTexas]

Looked at returning OL for 2025 and it looks like we've got good depth IF the players have been developed. We've got 6 4*, a 5* and a highly rated JUCO returning. That's 8 total highly-rated OL that have had a year or more in the system. And, we've got a few highly-regarded 3* guys that could push for playing time as well. Looks like we're a little low on experience, but high on potential. Could this group be better than the '24 OL? We probably have a drop-off at C and G (Spraggins), but should be better at both T positions and maybe better at one G position.

50	William Satterwhite****	R-Fr.	OL	6' 3"	300	HS	Barberton, Ohio	Archbishop Hoban
53	Lance Heard*****	Jr.	OL	6' 6"	340	TR	Bonita, La.	Neville	LSU
59	Masai Reddick	Jr.	OL	6' 5"	350	2L	Detroit, Mich.	Cass Technical
60	Jeremias Heard**** ("high ceiling")	R-Fr.	OL	6' 8"	320	HS	Rome, Ga.	Model HS
64	Ayden Bussell	So.	OL	6' 5"	300	RS	Mount Juliet, Tenn.	Mount Juliet
65	Trevor Duncan	So..	OL	6' 6"	300	1L	Knoxville, Tenn.	Knoxville Catholic
68	Bennett Warren****	R-Fr.	OL	6' 7"	342	HS	Houston, Texas	Fort Bend Christian Academy
71	Max Anderson****	R-Fr.	OL	6' 5"	311	HS	Frisco, Texas	Reedy
72	Jesse Perry	R-Fr.	OL	6' 6"	310	HS	Murfreesboro, Tenn.	Middle Tennessee Christian
73	Brian Grant	R-Jr	OL	6' 7"	337	1L	Fort Walton Beach, Fla.	Choctawhatchee
77	Larry Johnson III (top 10 JUCO)	R-Jr	OL	6' 7"	348	RS	Savannah, Ga.	Alfred Ely Beach	Hutchinson (Kan.) CC
78	Gage Ginther****	R-Fr.	OL	6' 5"	310	HS	Fort Collins, Colo.	Fossil Ridge
79	Shamurad Umarov ****	R-So	OL	6' 7"	330	1L	Alpharetta, Ga.

Cut the RS freshman

 

[Jackcrevol]

I believe Sam Pendelton (ND transfer) is also projected at Center.

Guard

will start there. then practice at C depending.

 

[orangebloodgmc]

Cut the RS freshman

What does that even mean?
I don't speak troll.

 

[RockyTopTexas]

What does that even mean?
I don't speak troll.

If we are just going to bring in transfers to start on the online… cut the dead weight and add some more transfers

 

[LAVol1]

If we are just going to bring in transfers to start on the online… cut the dead weight and add some more transfers

Who says they are dead weight? They may be developing into really good players, just not ready in '24. Another 6 mo. developing strength and techniques can make a world of difference.

 

[RockyTopTexas]

Who says they are dead weight? They may be developing into really good players, just not ready in '24. Another 6 mo. developing strength and techniques can make a world of difference.

We we just brought in guys with years of eligibility..

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

Kifffin. Doofus. Botch. Gump. Heupel. Seems like it doesn’t matter who the coach is it’s the same thing year after year. We always go into the season worrying about the OL and depth. Bid that EVER gonna change?

 

[VolInNW]

If we are just going to bring in transfers to start on the online… cut the dead weight and add some more transfers

Agree. The best way to plan around utilize Ellarbee's lack of player development unique player development style!

I hope those edits help my post.

 

[VawlIn]

A lot of either highly recruited guys or guys that showed a lot of upside. I’d like to see Trevor Duncan emerge as a guy that can give some quality snaps at OT. He showed a lot of explosiveness as a DL in HS and in today’s era you have to be a good athlete to play tackle at a high level. We really need him Warren Ginther and Umarov to make that jump this year to give us better competition at OL

 

[Backwards K]

Jesse Perry has put himself in a position to challege for playing time at tackle.

 

[orangebloodgmc]

A lot of either highly recruited guys or guys that showed a lot of upside. I’d like to see Trevor Duncan emerge as a guy that can give some quality snaps at OT. He showed a lot of explosiveness as a DL in HS and in today’s era you have to be a good athlete to play tackle at a high level. We really need him Warren Ginther and Umarov to make that jump this year to give us better competition at OL

Should be an interesting Spring for the competition among these guys.

 

[bpalmer28]

Jesse Perry has put himself in a position to challege for playing time at tackle.

No doubt. Seem like he'll either start at RT or be the first tackle off the bench. Not bad for a sophomore.

 

[bpalmer28]

LT - Heard, Perry/Warren/LJIII
LG - Pendleton, Umarov
C - Satterwhite
RG - Moe, Anderson
RT - Sanders, Perry/Warren/LJIII (My guess is the loser of this battle hits the portal this spring. Wouldn't surprise me if two go.)

There's at least 8 NFL prospects in that bunch and who knows, maybe someone like Ginther, J. Heard, or Duncan have a sophomore jump and pass some folks.

I think we're fine at OL.

 

[orangebloodgmc]

LT - Heard, Perry/Warren/LJIII
LG - Pendleton, Umarov
C - Satterwhite
RG - Moe, Anderson
RT - Sanders, Perry/Warren/LJIII (My guess is the loser of this battle hits the portal this spring. Wouldn't surprise me if two go.)

There's at least 8 NFL prospects in that bunch and who knows, maybe someone like Ginther, J. Heard, or Duncan have a sophomore jump and pass some folks.

I think we're fine at OL.

Plus, Karic could be returned back into this mix.

 

[Jackcrevol]

LT - Heard, Perry/Warren/LJIII
LG - Pendleton, Umarov
C - Satterwhite
RG - Moe, Anderson
RT - Sanders, Perry/Warren/LJIII (My guess is the loser of this battle hits the portal this spring. Wouldn't surprise me if two go.)

There's at least 8 NFL prospects in that bunch and who knows, maybe someone like Ginther, J. Heard, or Duncan have a sophomore jump and pass some folks.

I think we're fine at OL.

I would rotate every single one of those dudes. Have a detailed plan, no matter what the score. To have each of them play significant minutes. Feelings be darned.

Case in point, there is way too much potential talent just sitting. Waiting and hoping for perfect combination of knowledge, attitude, and experience to blossom is gone.

IMO, one reason teams are able to have success flipping our guys is planting the seed of doubt with regard to playing time. Also, development. When was the last time we had a highly rated DB drafted? WR? We had a tackle drafted, but other than that?

We landed two 10ish classes. And didnt make any moves in porthole. to beat Georgia, Bama, and Florida you need to 5-7.

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

LT - Heard, Perry/Warren/LJIII
LG - Pendleton, Umarov
C - Satterwhite
RG - Moe, Anderson
RT - Sanders, Perry/Warren/LJIII (My guess is the loser of this battle hits the portal this spring. Wouldn't surprise me if two go.)

There's at least 8 NFL prospects in that bunch and who knows, maybe someone like Ginther, J. Heard, or Duncan have a sophomore jump and pass some folks.

I think we're fine at OL.

I think our o-line is set to make a leap in 2025 like the secondary did in 2024. Just like the secondary we'll have young guys getting better, some good transfers, and hopefully a stud true freshman. By the end of 2025 I think the o-line will be a strength on this team rather than a weakness.

 

[Teeman]

I would rotate every single one of those dudes. Have a detailed plan, no matter what the score. To have each of them play significant minutes. Feelings be darned.

Case in point, there is way too much potential talent just sitting. Waiting and hoping for perfect combination of knowledge, attitude, and experience to blossom is gone.

IMO, one reason teams are able to have success flipping our guys is planting the seed of doubt with regard to playing time. Also, development. When was the last time we had a highly rated DB drafted? WR? We had a tackle drafted, but other than that?

We landed two 10ish classes. And didnt make any moves in porthole. to beat Georgia, Bama, and Florida you need to 5-7.

I move we change the name portal to porthole. It’s way more accurate.

 

[Jackcrevol]

I move we change the name portal to porthole. It’s way more accurate.

Portholers*

 

[GUNTERSVOL]

I think our o-line is set to make a leap in 2025 like the secondary did in 2024. Just like the secondary we'll have young guys getting better, some good transfers, and hopefully a stud true freshman. By the end of 2025 I think the o-line will be a strength on this team rather than a weakness.

I am glad we can have a discussion but I don’t think we can project either end of the potential spectrum till after spring. That will be greatly impacted by the schemes we employ this year. A 22 reminiscent gameplan is where I am GUESSING.