Before the 2024 season begins, the Tennessee Volunteers could have two offensive tackle cornerstones.
Lance Heard, an offensive tackle for the LSU Tigers, was acquired by Tennessee this offseason via the transfer portal. During his true freshman season, he appeared in 13 games for the Tigers, starting one versus Army. Heard was anticipated to do great things, but in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, there was a deadlock. He made the decision to use the transfer portal in order to sign with the Tennessee Volunteers, where he will start at left tackle.The Vols’ offensive line is strengthened by this arrival, although tackle John Campbell Jr. was forced to move from the left side to the right. In 2023, Campbell started nine games at left tackle and was their most physically powerful front-five player. Although many anticipated transitioning to the opposite side would cause growing pains, Campbell has adapted to the move with ease. Throughout the offseason, Glen Elarbee, the offensive line coach, has lauded the player for his maturity and effort, highlighting his level of attention.
Next season, the Vols will debut quarterback Nico Iamaleava, a highly intriguing talent with enormous potential. He did, however, face a lot of pressure during the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl game against the Iowa Hawkeyes; the Vols’ immense talent disparity meant that the pressures were minimal, but against SEC teams, they do build up. The coaching staff at Tennessee won’t expect Iamaleava to alter his style of play drastically since he performs best when he can rip a ball into a narrow downfield window and pat the football. Nevertheless, if he is going to play that way, he needs powerful offensive tackles.
This season, Heard and Campbell both have all-conference potential, and they also benefit from facing James Pearce Jr., an edge rusher, every day in practice. This fall, they’ll be prepared to guard him, and with more time, Iamaleava can contribute to bringing back the downfield throws that made the 2022 season so spectacular.
