'14 VA OL Coleman Thomas (TN commit 3/9/13)

Kerbyson or another upperclassmen is certainly more likely to start at RT but there's a reason C. Thomas is working out at RT already. It's because the other 4 OL positions are pretty much locked in with starters, RT is up for grabs, and the staff wants the best 5 OL on the field.

Blair, Jackson, Crowder and Wiesman....and then it's a competition at RT. JMO

Yes, I think the above looks about right. But if Thomas can play center, then I think he is valuable as the back-up there and go ahead and burn his redshirt and get him reps late in those first two games.

As a RS JR, I'd say Kerb is probable to start at RT ... but maybe we might be a better unit with Sanders at RT and Kerb having an upperclassman's edge over Wiesmann at RG? We'll see who works hardest and shows out.
 
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Talent on and off the field in the players HE and his staff are recruiting. Very nice Volunteer work completed here. Working with The Tennessee Special Olympics! Very rewarding experience for the VFL'S!!
 
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You can talk freshmen starters all you want. This is just Spring propaganda. When the lineups are announced in August Mr. Kerbyson will be the starter.

This time last year everyone was talking about a freshman phenom RB named Alden Hill. Everyone was saying that we would have an unstoppable running game.

It happens every spring.. Get ready for the walk on stories as well
 
From TOS, 3 stars who could surprise...

Thomas is very athletic for a lineman that is 6-foot-6, 295-pounds and is reportedly already taking some first team reps at Tennessee. He has very good footwork and lateral quickness which could help him see the field early in in his career in the SEC. Thomas also has room on his frame to add more good weight. As Thomas adds more strength he will become a more effective run blocker. Thomas didn't play any elite pass rushers in high school, so going up against Tennessee's pass rushers in practice will help him get ready for significant playing time in Knoxville.
 
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I expect he’ll be rotating at that RT spot with Kerbyson. And that they will be rotating all the linemen more this year than they did last year. And that the two-deep will change dramastically throughout the season.
 
I expect he’ll be rotating at that RT spot with Kerbyson. And that they will be rotating all the linemen more this year than they did last year. And that the two-deep will change dramastically throughout the season.
He'll likely be duking it out with Crowder for the starting Center spot.

If Orlando Brown makes it in, he'll likely battle Kerbyson for the RT spot...freshman or not. Kid is already NFL size, and plays like it.
 
I would expect Kerbyson to start. If he doesn't that would be pretty sad for a true freshman to take his position. Talk about recruiting over
 
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From TOS, 3 stars who could surprise...

Thomas is very athletic for a lineman that is 6-foot-6, 295-pounds and is reportedly already taking some first team reps at Tennessee. He has very good footwork and lateral quickness which could help him see the field early in in his career in the SEC. Thomas also has room on his frame to add more good weight. As Thomas adds more strength he will become a more effective run blocker. Thomas didn't play any elite pass rushers in high school, so going up against Tennessee's pass rushers in practice will help him get ready for significant playing time in Knoxville.

I'm not one to question good news, but how does someone take first team reps when they haven't started practicing yet? Does that mean he gets to use the weights or run a drill first? Serious question.
 
FWIW, Tony Basilio's recruiting source "X" loves this guy. Always difficult to project a true freshman as a starter at OT in the SEC, but he's got that tall, rangy, athletic build that seems to be favored for the spread offense. Definitely a guy to watch down the line, but we are probably in trouble if he's the starter on opening day.
 
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LT- Blari
LG- Jackson
RG- Weisman

C will be either Crowder or Thomas
RT will be Thomas, Kerbyson or Sanders
 
He'll likely be duking it out with Crowder for the starting Center spot.

If Orlando Brown makes it in, he'll likely battle Kerbyson for the RT spot...freshman or not. Kid is already NFL size, and plays like it.

You're right that Brown already has the size but he needs to hit the weights and get stronger before he is ready to start and has some work to do on his technique as well. He is going to he a great RT for us down the road but I don't think he is ready to step in and start right away though.
 
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