More Tennessee spring football position-by-position by previews: Offensive, defensive lines

Tennessee offensive linemen Ja'Wuan James, Zach Fulton, James Stone and Dallas Thomas, left to right, prepare for a skit during media day at Neyland Stadium Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012. (ADAM BRIMER/NEWS SENTINEL)

Photo by Adam Brimer, copyright © 2012 // Buy this photo

Tennessee offensive linemen Ja'Wuan James, Zach Fulton, James Stone and Dallas Thomas, left to right, prepare for a skit during media day at Neyland Stadium Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012. (ADAM BRIMER/NEWS SENTINEL)

The receiving corps is depleted. The offensive line is loaded. There are question marks and opportunities at every position.

When Tennessee opens the first spring football practice of the Butch Jones era on Saturday morning, the Vols will be playing real football for the first time since last year’s 5-7 season ended without a bowl game.

New position-by-position previews are going live throughout the day on Evan’s Eleven blog. Check out new breakdowns of the quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, tight ends, offensive line, defensive line, linebackers and defensive backs.

Evan Woodbery covers Tennessee football. Follow him at Twitter.

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Comments » 14

DeltaCharlie3 writes:

I think we should all start debating whether or not to rush the field and tear the goal posts down when you beat Florida in 2014.

gc_scvol writes:

in response to DeltaCharlie3:

I think we should all start debating whether or not to rush the field and tear the goal posts down when you beat Florida in 2014.

I think you should BITE ONE!!!

VolzsFan writes:

Practice?? Where talking about practice? Not a game, but practice. Seriously, get a life.

bUTch_please writes:

in response to VolzsFan:

Practice?? Where talking about practice? Not a game, but practice. Seriously, get a life.

Practice? You're trolling about practice? Not a game, but practice. Seriously, get a life.

gc_scvol writes:

in response to VolzsFan:

Practice?? Where talking about practice? Not a game, but practice. Seriously, get a life.

Move along people..Nothing to see here

DeltaCharlie3 writes:

I say yes, tear em' down, storm the field! Just like in 2012.

Oh, wait....

gomer writes:

5 and 7 at best this year, loses to or, fla, ga, sc, aub, bama, mizz, and vandy.... thanks bama dave!!!

voloffaith writes:

Interesting that Dccharlette and volZseefan have postings around the same time...hmmmmm....yep troller dudettes that are most likely one and the same misfit chomper fan. Like the man said,"We're talking practice man...I mean practice man....practice..." Compliments of the 76'ers Allen Iverson.

CroKev writes:

in response to DeltaCharlie3:

I think we should all start debating whether or not to rush the field and tear the goal posts down when you beat Florida in 2014.

Wow, this is an embarrassing read, "Biggest Headcases in College Football":
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/15...

Guess who won 1st place?

Navaloranges writes:

in response to DeltaCharlie3:

I think we should all start debating whether or not to rush the field and tear the goal posts down when you beat Florida in 2014.

Trolling a Vol board on an article about UT's FIRST PRACTICE! More proof that you're a juvenile Tennessee High School kid that started wearing gator gear for the attetion. The saddest thing is that you're STILL HERE seeking even more attenion. YOU are simply a freaking LOSER.

VolGrad writes:

I see the plague of locusts has returned.

DwayneElizondoMountainDewHerbertCamacho writes:

I don't think that we've had an offensive line this absolutely loaded with talent since the late 1990s. It's one of those scenarios where a young QB could have a total breakout year and secure an NFL draft position for himself regardless of how he plays the year after (ala Jake Locker). Really, really hope that happens. I think our receiver corps will be fine, but our running game will be mediocre because we just don't have the backs big enough to hit that line and then break away. Hopefully the defense will start coming together.

Still...it's real shame that we have this O-line, but so much uncertainty surrounding the offense.

usafvol writes:

in response to DeltaCharlie3:

I think we should all start debating whether or not to rush the field and tear the goal posts down when you beat Florida in 2014.

I'd worry about 2013 if I were you. Fla was the most overrated team in the land last year other than USC. The gators were VERY lucky last year, not only against us but for a few of their wins; go back and check. The bowl game showed the real gators so i'd get ready to cry some this season if I were you. Save this comment for the season; i'll be here..

UTvols33 writes:

in response to DwayneElizondoMountainDewHerbertCamacho:

I don't think that we've had an offensive line this absolutely loaded with talent since the late 1990s. It's one of those scenarios where a young QB could have a total breakout year and secure an NFL draft position for himself regardless of how he plays the year after (ala Jake Locker). Really, really hope that happens. I think our receiver corps will be fine, but our running game will be mediocre because we just don't have the backs big enough to hit that line and then break away. Hopefully the defense will start coming together.

Still...it's real shame that we have this O-line, but so much uncertainty surrounding the offense.

I can see one of these QB's doing well this year also. Receivers these days are explosive at a very young age, so I think they'll do fine in the passing game. The running game is a concern of mine as well. The line will make holes but I saw these backs get tripped up by an outstreched hand or a blade of grass an awful lot last fall. Defense does need to improve because they are not going to score as much as they did.

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