Analyzing What Jesse Perry Brings To Tennessee

Adding offensive line talent is a necessity, especially in Tennessee's scheme. The Vols run an up-tempo unit that runs a lot of plays, meaning depth at all positions is crucial. Offensive linemen rotate into the game often; the blue-chip prospects get the early chances, but if you stay in the program and get developed, there's a path to playing time.

Three-star offensive tackle Jesse Perry became Tennessee's first offensive line commit in the 2024 recruiting class on Friday. Perry is a Tennessee native who plays for Middle Tennessee Christian High School. He stands 6-7 and 275 pounds, not big enough to play in the SEC yet, but that's a strong baseline. Perry likely needs to add 50 pounds of good weight before consistently seeing snaps, but the Vols have established that precedent before.

His high school runs a unique offense that revolves around Perry. That seems increasingly unlikely; how can a Tennessee high school run a successful system that lives and dies with the success of its right tackle? However, they do it.

The formation begins in the Wing-T. Middle Tennessee Christian ran mostly option keepers but always followed Perry to the edge. He was responsible for sealing the edge when they went right, but when they went left, Perry had to kick around and wall off the second-level linebacker. He repeatedly put his man through the ground, attacking with a strong force and punch in his hands.

Perry logged 25 offers, committing to Tennessee over Vanderbilt, Memphis, and Mississippi State. He's ranked outside the top 900 on 247Sports, something that could quickly change after his commitment. Not every signee has to be an immediate contributor - in fact, most aren't. Perry can walk into the building, provide quality, competitive depth, and eventually compete for starting reps down the road.

Doing some more tape review for another analysis piece,

and by god, @jessep_72 just took someone's soul. pic.twitter.com/ZExDAsrpZ7
— Evan Crowell (@evanvcrowell) April 7, 2023

He will definitely need some pass-set reps before seeing the field. Middle Tennessee Christian runs the air out of the football, winning with a strong ground game and defense. Their style works - the Cougars went 9-3 in 2022 and won a playoff game. Nonetheless, he hasn't experienced many high-intensity pass sets, but that will change when he arrives at Rocky Top.

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