Tennessee signs JUCO offensive tackle Jeremiah Crawford

Following the departure of Wanya Morris and Jahmir Johnson, Tennessee had a depth concern to address at tackle. While it’s still not totally clear who will earn that starting gig for the fall, Josh Heupel was able to add a much needed body to the equation today.

Tennessee earned a signature from JUCO tackle Jeremiah Crawford on Wednesday morning. Crawford is the first addition for Heupel at Tennessee.

Crawford comes from Butler Community College in Kansas. The 6-6, 315 pound prospect was a target of Heupel’s at UCF, and now lands with him in Knoxville. Crawford is the 40th ranked JUCO prospect in the country, and the third rated JUCO tackle. He was a hot commodity late in the process, holding offers from more than 20 schools. Tennessee was able to beat out Baylor, Ole Miss, Iowa State, Kansas State and Maryland.

The commitment gives Tennessee their 21st in the class. Crawford joins William Parker and J’Marion Gooch as signees on the offensive line. He arrives as a redshirt sophomore with three seasons of eligibility remaining.

Tennessee has lost Morris and Johnson to the transfer portal, but will also have to replace guard Trey Smith and center Brandon Kennedy. Cade Mays, Darnell Wright, K’Rojhn Calbert, Cooper Mays, Jerome Carvin and Javontez Spraggins are a few of the key names returning to the program.

Crawford will enter with at least a chance to push for playing time in 2021. We’ll see how far he’s able to get once he arrives for fall camp.