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Tennessee Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

By Connor Muldowney

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 4: Todd Kelly Jr. #6 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after intercepting a pass during the game against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium on October 4, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida defeated Tennessee 10-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 4: Todd Kelly Jr. #6 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after intercepting a pass during the game against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium on October 4, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida defeated Tennessee 10-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee football enters the 2017 season with plenty of uncertainty, but how will the Volunteers’ two-deep depth chart look?

Following the 2016 season, it was clear that Tennessee football hadn’t lived up to lofty preseason expectations. With Joshua Dobbs back to lead the way, the Volunteers were expected to have a huge season, but it didn’t play out as planned.

In fact, it all started with the season opener against Appalachian State in Knoxville. Although the Mountaineers weren’t exactly a pushover, Tennessee was a consensus top-10 team that was expected to mop the floor with the lesser opponent. The game ended up going into overtime and the Volunteers were exposed early on.

Butch Jones ended up getting them to win five games to start the year, including victories over Virginia Tech, Georgia and Florida, but when the beef of conference play hit, it was all downhill. In fact, they lost three straight games following Florida and Georgia wins.

Tennessee would finish the season with a 9-4 record and 4-4 mark in SEC play. It’s losing plenty of talent from that team, but what does the projected two-deep look like for 2017?

Offensive Line

Starting tackles: Drew Richmond (LT), Chance Hall (RT)
Backups: Brett Kendrick (LT), Marcus Tatum (RT)

Drew Richmond is getting the nod at the most important position on the offensive line — left tackle. The sophomore got five starts at the position in his redshirt freshman season and proved why he was a five-star recruit, according to some, out of high school. The 6-foot-5 behemoth will be joined by junior Chance Hall as the two starting tackles. Inexperienced, but strong at the starting spots.

Senior Brett Kendrick got some starts last season at left tackle, but it’s clear Richmond gives the Volunteers the best chance to succeed. Sophomore Marcus Tatum will play the understudy on the right side.

Starting guards: Trey Smith (LG), Jack Jones (RG)
Backups: Ryan Johnson (LG), Venzell Boulware (RG)

Trey Smith is definitely a name to watch at left guard. He was a highly-touted four-star tackle out of high school, but he’s made a slight position change to see the field earlier. The freshman is the projected starter at the left guard spot while Jack Jones, a junior, should be the right guard starter. Ryan Johnson and Venzell Boulware are capable backups.

Starting center: Jashon Robertson
Backup: Coleman Thomas

Last year, Jashon Robertson got a handful of starts at the left guard spot, but he’s making the move to center in order to open up room for other talented linemen. He’s going to be backed up by Coleman Thomas who also has starting experience. This is a strong position group.

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