Let’s be honest, the Tennessee offensive line was horrible in 2014.

The Vols ranked No. 118 in sacks allowed with a total of 42 and an average of 3.5 per game. Tennessee also ranked No. 124 in tackles for loss allowed, ahead of only Wake Forest with 97.

Entering the season, the Vols had zero returning starters in the trenches, so the groups’s struggles came as little surprise. However, the level of ineptitude shown by Tennessee’s o-line exceeded any lack of experience.

The Vols were dominated by opposing defenses and seemed incapable of providing any protection. Even FCS Chattanooga recorded five sacks against Tennessee during its Week 7 loss.

But the Vols should see improvement in the near future. As noted, the line is young and needed to gain experience. However, unlike running back Jalen Hurd and defensive end Derek Barnett, the Tennessee offensive line didn’t show signs of progress as the 2014 season progressed.

Still, there is hope that several underclassmen could see improvement in 2015.

Jashon Robertson was named freshman All-SEC first team on Thursday, despite a disappointing debut season. This was due more to the fact that Robertson was one of the few freshman starting offensive linemen in the conference, rather than a credit to his success. But the former three-star prospect is expected to make improvements and develop into a solid offensive guard.

Dontavius Blair transferred to Tennessee as a four-star JUCO prospect in 2014. However, the Vols never used Blair, despite a lack of depth in the trenches, opting instead to redshirt him. Based on his recruiting hype, Blair should be the most talented player on Tennessee’s line next season, but remains a mystery given his lack of playing time.

The Vols 2015 class also includes players that could provide a turnaround in the trenches. Jack Jones is a two-time reigning Mr. Football Award winner from Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound commit ranks as a four-star and is the No. 136 player for the 2015 class. Tennessee also has commitments from three-stars Venzell Boulware, Zach Stewart and Chance Hall.

The Vols should improve their struggles on the offensive line in 2015, granted it would be difficult to see any less production than this past season. Despite one of the worst protection displays in SEC history, Tennessee fans should be optimistic of improvement in the near future.