Beyond Nico Iamaleava and a wave of transfers, the biggest reason for optimism surrounding Tennessee Football in 2024 is the number of seniors coming back. Many could have gone pro but chose to take advantage of the COVID year that gave them another season of eligibility. Others got medical redshirts. Amidst all those veterans, these are the top five Vols seniors entering this year.
5. Javontez Spraggins
Three, maybe four seniors are starting on the offensive line for the Vols this year. John Campbell Jr. and Andrej Karic are both seniors Josh Heupel will rely on. However, Javontez Spraggins is the most experienced interior blocker on this team. UT’s offense goes as its running game goes, and Spraggins is the guy to spring that part of the game. As a result, he will be crucial.
4. Bru McCoy
Coming off a season-ending injury, Bru McCoy could have fallen behind Dont’e Thornton in terms of the top senior wide receiver on this list. However, McCoy has still proven a lot more, and Thornton also suffered a season-ending injury. If fully healthy, McCoy should easily be able to dictate coverage for Tennessee Football at wideout and could become a star.
3. Omari Thomas
Lots of interior defensive linemen for the Vols will be factors this year, and they are all seniors. That includes Omarr Norman-Lott, Bryson Eason, Elijah Simmons and Dominic Bailey. However, Omari Thomas is the anchor of this unit. He’s a leader who has been to SEC Media Days twice, and he’s a reliable starter. The combination makes him crucial.
2. Keenan Pili
One of the biggest blows to Tennessee Football last year was Keenan Pili’s season-ending injury in the opener. Pili is back with a medical redshirt, and the middle linebacker is now the leader of the defense. UT should be much better on horizontal and misdirection running plays this year with Pili stepping in, and he should help outside linebacker Arion Carter become a star.
1. Cooper Mays
Never in any doubt, Cooper Mays is the fourth senior who could start on the Vols’ offensive line. Tennessee Football lost a game because of his absence last year, at the Florida Gators, and they have no real depth at center. When Mays is healthy, the offense can be the best in the nation again. Like Spraggins, he’s big on run-blocking, but he also calls the plays, so he’s crucial.
