Josh Heupel updates status of injured center Cooper Mays ahead of Pittsburgh game
By Jake Rill
Published:
Cooper Mays left Tennessee’s season-opening win over Bowling Green with a lower-body injury, and that caused Tennessee to shuffle its offensive line. With Mays hurt, Jerome Carvin moved from left guard to center and Ollie Lane took over for Carvin.
It’s possible the Vols are going to have to utilize a similar look this week, as Mays is questionable for their home matchup against Pittsburgh on Saturday. However, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel shared during his Thursday press conference that more players could enter the mix if Mays ends up being out.
“If Cooper wasn’t able to play, you’ll see a little bit more rotation there this week,” Heupel told the media. “Here in the last 48 hours, Coop’s made some really good jumps here, so we’ll find out Saturday morning where he’s at and whether he’s able to go or not.”
Mays is a sophomore who played in 10 games and made 2 starts as a true freshman in 2020. He’s the younger brother of fellow Vols offensive lineman Cade Mays.
Carvin, a senior, has plenty of experience, so it makes sense that Tennessee is relying on him to move around up front. However, he’s only made starts at the guard positions over his 4 seasons, so if he starts at center on Saturday, it would mark the first time he’s done so.
Tennessee and Pittsburgh are set to kick off on Saturday at noon ET on ESPN.
Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.
