Mahoney: Vols' OL situation 'the best we've been in'

#1
kamoshika

kamoshika

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#1
Not surprising, of course, but still good to see it coming together; love seeing the depth we've recruited and developed.

When Jones’ staff arrived at Tennessee in December 2012, the Vols inherited a line that featured an experienced group of starters but minimal depth behind them. And two true freshman linemen started at least five games each for UT in 2014.

The Vols’ depth at the position has come a long way since then. Ten of their scholarship linemen have been on the roster for at least one year, which could give their three newcomers — freshman tackles Nathan Niehaus, Marcus Tatum and Ryan Johnson — the luxury of perhaps redshirting this year while they continue to develop physically.

“In terms of just the overall numbers, the increase is good,” Mahoney said. “It’s in particular spots allowing us to have competition, which we haven’t had on a regular basis over a period of time — which, carrying out from this spring to now, each practice is of the most importance for each guy. Every rep’s critical in each practice, and the steps we take as a group is important. The numbers have improved, and our overall play has improved.”

Don Mahoney says Tennessee Vols' OL situation 'the best we've been in'
 
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#2
#2
Better Oline, and a little better Dobbs with the passing, lookout.
 
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#3
#3
Last August all anyone could talk about was that we had almost no experience at any position. It's just a miracle, a miracle I tell ya...!!
 
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#7
#7
Worley may as well had been playing with couch cushions lined up in front of him
 
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#10
#10
Some of Dobb's inaccuracies could stem from getting in a habit of running for his life on pass plays. I hope he can now settle down and be more accurate. Have to wait and see about that, but it sure would be nice.
 
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#12
#12
chad4930 said:
Sitting in Norman Ok I was amazed how tough Worley was standing in the pocket. The OU fan behind me said we should move him to linebacker cause he was tough as nails
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or dumb as a box of rocks ... all he had to do was run the ball 3 or 4 times a game to relieve some of that pressure.
 
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#13
#13
Just want to see us get violent. mean. and nasty dirty on the OLine, we owe some payback!
 
#15
#15
Biopsyman said:
Our G and C play might be the best in the SEC
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As long as Thomas has gotten stronger and can take a step forward in pass protection.

He was great run blocking, pulling, and blocking in space on screen passes last season, but he got absolutely bulldozed at times in pass protection.
 
#19
#19
“But the competition has been really good, and the guy that has really had two really solid days is Austin Sanders, working at right tackle. I’ve been really pleased with the work that he’s put in. He’s just quietly been going about it, and that’s going to be the point made to him this afternoon, is to keep playing the way you have and keep building on each practice. But I’ve been really excited about what he’s shown so far.”
Tennessee Vols Mike Debord, Don Mahoney discuss the offensive line and Drew Richmond
 
#20
#20
Darth_Shiveman said:
Which is 2-3 more than we've had since they've been here (including 2013, when the starting 5 were very good) and 4-5 more than in 2014.

Great, great progress there.
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Yes!

IMO, Coleman Thomas has a chance to be the best center that we have had in 20-30 years.

Robertson and Wiesman at solid.

Some will disagree, but I like Chance Hall at Right Tackle.

Jack Jones had ups and downs but is a street fighter.

Kendrick may start at left tackle but Richmond will be pushing.

So that is seven. I believe that Boulware can play, so that makes eight.

Mosley has his weight down and was a heck of a player in high school. If needed, I think he might can handle left guard. So, that is nine.

Austin Sanders has orange blood. If he can make the leap, that would be ten.

Definitely, a vast improvement in talent and depth.
 
#21
#21
Glad to hear that Austin Sanders is doing well. Maybe the staff has finally figured out how to push him.
 
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#22
#22
kamoshika said:
Not surprising, of course, but still good to see it coming together; love seeing the depth we've recruited and developed.

When Jones’ staff arrived at Tennessee in December 2012, the Vols inherited a line that featured an experienced group of starters but minimal depth behind them. And two true freshman linemen started at least five games each for UT in 2014.

The Vols’ depth at the position has come a long way since then. Ten of their scholarship linemen have been on the roster for at least one year, which could give their three newcomers — freshman tackles Nathan Niehaus, Marcus Tatum and Ryan Johnson — the luxury of perhaps redshirting this year while they continue to develop physically.

“In terms of just the overall numbers, the increase is good,” Mahoney said. “It’s in particular spots allowing us to have competition, which we haven’t had on a regular basis over a period of time — which, carrying out from this spring to now, each practice is of the most importance for each guy. Every rep’s critical in each practice, and the steps we take as a group is important. The numbers have improved, and our overall play has improved.”

Don Mahoney says Tennessee Vols' OL situation 'the best we've been in'
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Do we really need our entire OL practicing at Center?
 
#23
#23
If Dobbs can trust the Oline to give a couple seconds, which would let him step up in the pocket...!!

With just a Decent passing game our O could be SCARY!! :):)



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