TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Joshua Dobbs #11 of the Tennessee Volunteers is lifted by Coleman Thomas #55 of the Tennessee Volunteers as they celebrate a win over Northwestern Wildcats in the Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

Tennessee shuffling the OL in wake of injuries

What was supposed to be a strength is turning into a weakness.

Tennessee has had some unexpected bad fortune just a couple weeks before the season starts on Sept 3. The Vols lost their starting right tackle in Chance Hall this past week due to a non-ACL knee injury. Hall has already had successful surgery on the knee and he is supposed to miss between four and six weeks of action.

RELATED: Felony theft charges dropped against Coleman Thomas

That means some shuffling along the offensive line will need to happen ahead of the first game of the season against Appalachian State. So far, offensive coordinator Mike DeBord has said that starting center Coleman Thomas will take reps at Hall's spot at right tackle in practice. The junior started 12 games last season at center, but did start his career at right tackle so that familiarity should help in the first couple weeks of the season.

RELATED: Tennessee loses starting tackles to knee injury

However, Drew Richmond is believed to be the guy in line to start at right tackle to keep Thomas consistent at the center spot. "Drew has really had a really good mindset in this whole training camp," DeBord said. "All he wants to do is get better every practice. He asks questions all the time. He has, again, continued to get better as a football player."

Richmond was a four-star recruit in the 2014 class and it looks like he will get to prove his worth this season with Hall out for an extended period of time.

 

[h/t Saturday Down South]