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The Tennessee Volunteers had the worst offensive line in the SEC in 2015. The Vols ranked No. 124 overall in tackles for loss allowed and No. 119 in sacks allowed.
But help is on the way in the form of four-star offensive lineman Jack Jones. The reigning two-time Tennessee Mr. Football winner ranks as the No. 13 offensive tackle and No. 137 overall prospect for the 2015 class.
With the Vols struggles in the trenches, the 6-foot-5, 290-pound lineman is expected to see playing time in his first season. However, Jones’ goal is to help the program in any way possible, regardless of whether he starts in 2015.
“I’m just going to work hard and try to get a spot wherever I can,” Jones said following the Under Armour All-American Skills Contest Wednesday. “I just want to help the team wherever I can. I’m a team guy and the team comes first. So I want to contribute early, of course, but if things don’t work out it’s all good. I just want to help the University of Tennessee. I’ve been a Tennessee fan my whole life so anything to help Butch Jones and his staff is what I want to do.”
In Week 1, the Vols returned zero previous starters on the offensive line. Jashon Robertson started in all 12 games and was named first team All-SEC freshman. Robertson became the fourth Tennessee true freshman to start on offensive line in his first college game and the first to do so since Ja’Wuan James in 2010.
Jones, who will enroll early, could see similar playing time in 2015. The four-star prospect should improve the Vols o-line and provide quarterback Joshua Dobbs with more protection in his first season.
Whether the blue chipper can make an immediate transition to the collegiate level is the biggest challenge. Jones has the potential to be a top-tier SEC lineman, but will need time to develop in order to reach his full potential. However, if Tennessee’s struggles continue in 2015, Jones will be thrust into the starting lineup without prior experience.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
