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It’s no secret that any good offense starts in the trenches. If you can’t create holes, your backs can’t get anywhere and if you can’t protect the pocket, your quarterback can’t deliver the ball downfield.
Securing a solid offensive line is obviously a priority for any team. The Vols will return four starters up front in 2017, but still got a handful of great linemen in this year’s class.
OT Trey Smith, 6-5, 310 lbs, Jackson, Tenn.
I can’t say anything about Trey Smith that hasn’t already been said. Smith is a five-star recruit according to the 247Sports Composite (0.9920) and a four-star according to Rivals (6.0) - he is also a five-star and #1 overall player according to ESPN. Every superlative imaginable has been placed on him, and while you don’t want to get carried away, I don’t think Smith starting as a freshman is an unrealistic expectation. Smith is already enrolled at Tennessee and will start spring practice next week.
OT Riley Locklear, 6-5, 290 lbs, Huntington, W.V.
Riley Locklear is a four-star recruit according to Rivals (5.8) and a three-star according to the 247Sports Composite (0.8610). Locklear had other major Power 5 offers that included Florida State, Penn State, Louisville and Oregon. He is also an early enrollee and will get a chance to participate in spring practice.
OT K’Rojhn Calbert, 6-5, 295 lbs, McMinville, Tenn.
K’Rojhn Calbert is rated as a three-star prospect by both the 247Sports Composite (0.8600) and Rivals (5.6). Calbert’s other top offers included Florida, South Carolina, Kentucky and Louisville. With the offensive line depth the Vols have built, Calbert may not receive playing time immediately, but could grow into a contributor given time to develop.