Tennessee offensive line coach Greg Adkins said he’s pleased with the six returning offensive linemen who received extensive playing time last season: center Josh McNeil, tackles Chris Scott and Ramone Foster and guards Vladimir Richard, Jacques McClendon and Anthony Parker.

The list, however, doesn’t stop there. Adkins said he’s also pleased with sophomore Ramone Johnson and junior Cody Sullins. Johnson has made the biggest strides among the group thanks to his consistency.

“Those eight guys have themselves in a position to be put in a ball game,” Adkins said.

Johnson has been so consistent as of late that coaches have played him at tight end to develop depth at a thin position.

“They’ve got a package in for me called ‘Chicago’,” the Chicago native said. “That’s kind of cool.”

Right now, the Chicago package is all about Johnson’s blocking. That, he hopes, will soon change.

“I’m trying to build some confidence in coach Clawson to let me run some routes,” Johnson said, referring to offensive coordinator Dave Clawson.

After the first eight, UT’s offensive line gets a bit dicey. Redshirt freshman William Brimfield has just recently returned from ankle surgery after a strong showing in spring practice. Adkins said sophomores Jarod Shaw and Darius Myers need to improve.

“I expect another level this week,” Adkins said.

Adkins said it’s easier to get a young player ready to play in UT’s new offensive system, which flip-flops its guards and tackles to play strong and weakside instead of playing just one position.

As for center, Adkins said he’s comfortable with three players if something happened to McNeil. Parker, Sullins and Scott have all seen practice time there.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.