Antonio “Tiny” Richardson could never have imagined it until Butch Jones made the whole UT football team do it.
Running 52 sprints of 110 yards each is grueling for nimble receivers and backs.
And it was previously unthinkable for UT’s left tackle and his cohorts on the offensive line.
But with the implementation of an up-tempo offense by Jones, the uncomfortable is required — especially in the realm of cardiovascular fitness.
Instead of gloating on a 2012 season where it allowed just eight sacks — third fewest in the nation — the UT offensive line, which returns four starters, has replaced its physical hunger with an appetite to become well-rounded.
“A lot of guys say that we’re the best offensive line in the country,” Richardson said at SEC Media Days where he was chosen to the preseason second-team All-SEC team. “I felt like we were the best in the country as far as pass protection. But we can still improve in the run game.”
With the departure of a seasoned quarterback and several playmakers at receiver — plus Jones’ adamancy that UT will be a run-first team — the evolution of the offensive line is unavoidable.
The starting unit consisting of Richardson, Ja’Wuan James, Zach Fulton, James Stone and Alex Bullard boasts over 100 combined career starts but the group doesn’t mind tailoring its ways to aid a new offense.
“I want to get Marlin (Lane) a thousand yards, and Raijon (Neal) a thousand yards,” said James who has started 37 games in his career but has yet to play with a 1,000 yard rusher. “We want to run the ball. We’re out here working out every day to run it.”
In addition to a heightened focus on running the ball, the group finds itself in an increased leadership role heading into the Aug. 31 opener against Austin Peay.
UT’s leading returning receiver is not actually a receiver. That title belongs to running back Marlin Lane, and he was suspended for spring practice. Plus, the Vols’ quarterback Justin Worley has only started three collegiate games under center.
The only senior who figures to garner significant playing time on offense outside of the line is running back Rajion Neal.
“I don’t feel like it’s a burden,” Richardson said. “We’ve been together three or four years now, so we just go out there and play. The team is going to go at the same pace we go, so we have to set the standard and everyone else will follow.”
James — also a preseason second-team All-SEC honoree — is relishing the leadership role as well.
“As an offensive linemen, as a senior, I want that weight on me if it was going to be on anybody,” he said. “I have confidence in the guys to my left and right, Tiny (Richardson), Zach Fulton, James Stone. And the younger guys, the skill players, I feel like it’s our job to build confidence in them and just raise their confidence so when (the season) comes they’ll be fine.”
Additionally, Stone and Fulton were named to the preseason third-team All-SEC list, meaning UT’s offensive line is not exactly flying under the radar in the days leading up to the season.
“This is our last year of college football and I want to go out there and win games,” James said. “That’s what matters. It’s nice to get the recognition, but the objective is to win games.”
Added Richardson: “In football, especially in the SEC, your team is going to go as far as the offensive line goes.”
