It’s been a rough last few days for Tennessee personnel-wise.
Over the weekend, it was reported that starting linebacker Darrin Kirkland would miss the opener against Georgia Tech because of a knee injury. Wednesday brought word that the Volunteers would be without a starter on the other side of the ball as well, with Rivals.com reporting that redshirt sophomore Drew Richmond will be suspended for the Labor Day night game. An unspecified violation of team rules was the only reason given.
Head coach Butch Jones subsequently confirmed that Richmond has indeed been suspended.
As a redshirt freshman last season, Richmond started six of the nine games in which he played. The 6-5, 309-pound lineman has been projected as the starting left tackle throughout summer camp.
With Richmond sidelined, senior Brett Kendrick is expected to get the start protecting the quarterback’s blindside.