Vols T logoKNOXVILLE – An offseason and preseason of praise for Tennessee’s talented veteran offensive line goes out the window when the ball is snapped on Saturday night.
When the Volunteers open the season, it’s time for the team’s best unit to deliver on expectations and accomplish its collective goal of being Tennessee’s leaders.
“Everywhere I’ve been, the O-line has usually been the core and the mentality of your team,” Vols offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian said following Wednesday’s practice. “When we preach a mentality of physicality and toughness and all those things, it definitely starts up front with the offensive line. Having a veteran group, they know the expectations and they’ve been able to preach that to the other guys.”
Though the Vols’ starting five linemen have combined to start 120 career games, the opener against Austin Peay still will be the group’s first time in a new offense. There’s a new quarterback to protect, a new scheme and a new system.
Offensive line coach Don Mahoney wants no “freelancing” when he watches the game film on Sunday.