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Touted freshman Drew Richmond shines during bowl practice
Considering the issues Tennessee faced on the offensive line heading into the 2015 season, many assumed freshman Drew Richmond was destined to start at some point this season. However instead of starting, the former five-star recruit was quickly tagged for a redshirt early in the season.
With a season of conditioning, developing and learned the playbook behind him, Richmond has begun to take off for the Vols. Following a recent bowl practice, the offensive lineman had his black stripe removed by his teammates after practice.
"We have been very encouraged by the growth and development of Drew Richmond," head coach Butch Jones said. "These practices have been invaluable for him. The defensive line actually took his stripe off yesterday and I think that's quite a compliment coming from them because he goes against them every day in scouts. So I see him progressing.
"All of the youngsters. We are still at a point in our program where all of our youngsters are basically playing, so you have to be careful in how you develop them. I have been pleased in the development of all of them."
What's changed for Richmond to lead to his teammates to remove his stripe? His head coach attributed it to the mental aspect of his game, not the physical aspect.
"His whole mentality, the way he approaches practice. The offensive line was going to take his stripe off, but the defensive line beat them to it,” Jones said. “But he continues to get better. And, also, you see a level of confidence continue to grow in him, as well.”
With the graduation of starting left tackle Kyler Kerbyson, at least one starting spot will be opening up on the offensive line for Tennessee this season. With Richmond better equipped and trained to handle the rigors of a SEC season, is the Tennessee native destined to become the next great offensive lineman for the Vols?
