Thanks to injuries, the game of football can be a cruel mistress. The latest example? Tennessee’s Jacob Gilliam.
After four years as a walk-on, the offensive lineman was rewarded with a scholarship this past May. Then, Saturday, Gilliam started his first game at the collegiate level in the Vols’ win over Utah State.
That, though, will be Gilliam’s last start for a while -- or ever -- as head coach Butch Jones confirmed Tuesday that the player sustained a torn ACL in the opener. Because of the injury, Gilliam (pictured, left) will miss the remainder of the 2014 season.
“It’s very, very unfortunate,” Jones said. “I feel for him. I feel for his family. Here’s a young man, I love him to death. Walk-on who earned a scholarship. He earned it. … I just feel for Jacob just because he’s earned the respect of his peers and he’s worked so hard to put himself in position to be our starting left tackle.”
The Knoxville News wrote that “Jones said Tennessee is exploring the possibility of applying for a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA, but it’s unlikely that will be granted.” If that waiver is denied, it would mean the end to Gilliam’s collegiate career.
The injury is especially damaging for a Vols squad that came into the 2014 season with five new starting offensive linemen.