‘No, it’s not normal’ – Vols redshirt sophomore makes eye-opening comment about Tennessee’s offensive line
The Tennessee Vols will roll with a mostly new-look offensive line in 2025 because the program is set to replace four starters. Sophomore left tackle Lance Heard is Tennessee’s only returning starting offensive lineman. Replacing that many starters has led some analysts to question whether the Vols’ offensive line will be a strength in 2025. […]
The Tennessee Vols will roll with a mostly new-look offensive line in 2025 because the program is set to replace four starters.
Sophomore left tackle Lance Heard is Tennessee’s only returning starting offensive lineman.
Replacing that many starters has led some analysts to question whether the Vols’ offensive line will be a strength in 2025. While it’s too early to know for sure, there are reasons for optimism.
For one, Tennessee boasts some elite talent in the offensive line room.
Perhaps just as important, the Vols’ offensive linemen are extremely close. So close, in fact, that redshirt sophomore Shad Umarov recently said it’s “not normal.”
“No, it’s not normal,” said Umarov when asked if it’s unusual how tight Tennessee’s offensive line room is. “But that’s the really good thing about it. You know, as an O-line, we need all five to work together. We need to compete in the OL room to get the best five out there. But if we’re not together and positive, what we put out on the field will only be negative.”
“It’s the older guys bringing the younger guys together,” continued Umarov. “You see a lot of older guys (in other offensive line rooms) kind of cutting the position group kind of in half, or in groups, and just not really trying to bring everyone together — just because someone might be two years or three years older. But it doesn’t matter in our room. If you’re a walk-on, or if you’ve been here for seven years, we’re going to be the exact same type of people.”
That might sound like lip service from Umarov, but that kind of closeness is a critical part of any great offensive line.
The offensive line — more than any other position group on the field — requires that everyone is on the same page and pulling in the same direction.
Tennessee offensive line coach Glen Elarbee has worked hard during the last several years to build a strong culture in his position room.
It’s been a slow and steady process for Elarbee, but it looks like all of that work is on the verge of paying off in a big way. Word out of fall camp is that Tennessee’s offensive line is looking strong heading into the 2025 season.
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