Tennessee offensive tackle Jake Gilliam will miss the remainder of the season after news broke today that he suffered a torn ACL in Saturday’s season opening contest against Utah State.
After four long years of hard work, the former walk on and fifth year senior was finally granted scholarship as the starting left tackle. Gilliam was expected to be an anchor of the Volunteers’ new look offensive line that lost all five starters from a season ago.
Head coach Butch Jones made the announcement in a press conference Tuesday and will turn to either junior-college transfer Dontavius Blair, redshirt freshman Brett Kendrick, or freshman Coleman Thomas. Jones will use Saturday’s game versus Arkansas State as an audition for the job.
As fans very well may know, protecting a quarterback’s blind side is essential toward any quarterback’s success, the Vols now need to find a replacement and find one quickly.
*Section Photo credit to Wade Payne, Associated Press; Featured Photo (above) credit to Rocky Top Insider
