WATCH: Tennessee assistant Walt Wells wants OL to be team’s ‘bell cow’

Tennessee OL coach Walt Wells wants his guys to be a unit that the Volunteers can rely on this season.

“We’re looking forward to them to being that bell cow for us,” said Wells in a recent interview tweeted out by the Volunteers football account.

“Up front in this league, you’ve got to be strong and you’ve got to be good,” explained Wells. “Their backbone is what we’re going to rely on.”

“Their backbone is what we’re going to rely on.” – OL Coach @UTWWells#VolsCamp #GBO 🍊🏈 pic.twitter.com/MCU6cmjQd2

— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 22, 2017

When asked about his coaching style, Wells said he values respect with his players.

“When it comes down to it, I want respect from my players,” Wells explained. “If we both have that respect and trust, then we’re going to be able to reach the potential that we need to.”

Tennessee’s offense finished second in the SEC with 36.38 points per game in 2016.

The Volunteers are already replacing QB Joshua Dobbs, RB Alvin Kamara, and WR Josh Malone after their departures to the NFL. A strong offensive line will help soften those losses moving forward.

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.