Starting left tackle Jacob Gilliam is out for the year with a torn ACL, according to Butch Jones. The fifth-year senior from Farragut High School suffered the injury in the second half of Tennessee’s game against Utah State on Sunday.
Brett Kendrick and Dontavius Blair are expected to battle for the vacated position.
“I feel for Jacob because he’s earned the respect of his peers and has worked so hard for the tackle position,” Butch Jones said in a Tuesday press conference.
“I’ve spoken with him and our players still want him around. That’s the mindset. They think about each other.”
“This will serve him later on when dealing with adversity,” Jones said. “I love him, I love his family and everything he stands for.”
Forum discussion: Gilliam out with torn ACL