NEW YORK — Protecting and paving the way for the nation’s No. 1 offense, Tennessee’s offensive line has been named to the 2022 Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll by the Foundation for Teamwork. The award is presented to the most outstanding offensive line unit in college football.
The Vols are one of 22 teams named to the midseason honor roll and one of five from the SEC. Other squads on the list include: Alabama, Air Force, Appalachian State, Arkansas, Coastal Carolina, Illinois, Kansas State, Michigan, Minnesota, Ole Miss, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, South Alabama, Syracuse, TCU, UCLA, USC and UAB.
Under the direction of second-year offensive line coach Glen Elarbee, the Volunteer O-linemen have been an imposing force in leading UT to a 6-0 start to the 2022 campaign. The prolific Vols lead the nation averaging 551.0 yards of total offense per game and rank second in the country in scoring at a clip of 47.7 points per contest. Tennessee also leads the FBS in red zone offense, scoring on 32-of-32 opportunities so far this season.
With the offensive line providing a clean pocket, the Vols lead the SEC in passing offense (347.8 yards per game) and team passing efficiency with a rating of 194.03. The Tennessee protection unit has allowed only 19 tackles for loss—tied for fewest in the FBS—while paving the way for 203.2 rushing yards per contest.
The Vols returned four starters on the offensive line from last season and have seen the unit thrive on continuity. Jerome Carvin, Cooper Mays, Javontez Spraggins and Darnell Wright own a wealth of SEC experience in the trenches, while Gerald Mincey and Jeremiah Crawford have been sturdy in the rotation at left tackle this fall. Parker Ball, Dayne Davis, Jackson Lampley and Ollie Lane have also provided quality snaps for one of the deepest, veteran offensive line rooms in the country.
Two players have already been recognized this season as SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week, with Spraggins claiming the honors after Tennessee’s victory over No. 20 Florida and Wright earning the award after UT’s triumph over No. 3 Alabama. Both have played 422 offensive snaps this season without allowing a sack or quarterback hit according to Pro Football Focus. Wright was recently tabbed to the midseason watch list for the Rotary Lombari Award, which recognizes the top lineman in the country.
“The O-line units on the 2022 Midseason Honor Roll have caught the attention of the Voting Committee through the October 8 weekend by demonstrating many of the award criteria in a recognizable way,” said Cole Cubelic, chairman of the Joe Moore Award Voting Committee and sideline analyst for SEC Network. “The bar will raise quickly and significantly from here, and the consistency, effort, and teamwork required to earn further recognition will be how the elite units separate themselves.”
“It’s been a fun year for our position, and the connection between outstanding O-line play and winning football is undeniable,” said Aaron Taylor, CBS college football analyst and founder of the Joe Moore Award. Taylor played guard at the University of Notre Dame for the award’s namesake, the legendary offensive line coach Joe Moore.
“October and November are historically where the best units have been able to separate themselves, and I know we’re all looking forward to seeing some iconic ‘Joe Moore Moments’ down the stretch.”
The Vols return to action this weekend for a homecoming matchup against UT Martin. Kickoff is scheduled for noon inside Neyland Stadium, and the game will be broadcast on SEC Network. Tickets remain available at AllVols.com.
-UT Athletics
