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Kyler Kerbyson willing to play any position on Tennessee’s offensive line
By Jason Hall
Published:
Kyler Kerbyson is ready for some football.
The question is, which position will he play on Saturday?
Kerbyson, who has served as Tennessee’s starting right tackle in 2014, may be moved over to left tackle in the absence of injured starter Jacob Gilliam. Gilliam suffered a torn ACL in Week 1 against Utah State and will miss the remainder of the season.
The Vols continue to shuffle lineman around entering Saturday’s primetime matchup against No. 4 Oklahoma. During Tuesday’s practice, Kerbyson got extensive work at left tackle. But this is nothing new for the redshirt junior, who began camp at right guard before switching to right tackle.
“I love to be that,” Kerbyson said of his ability to play several different positions in the trenches. “I like that the team can get on my shoulders, and I can help them out. I take pride in that. I’ve been getting left (tackle) snaps this week, and I’ve really taken pride in working on my technique and making sure I’m ready to go for the game in case they need me.”
The 6-4, 312-pound lineman has limited prior experience at the left tackle position. However, time has passed since he’s taken practice reps from that spot.
“It’s been about a year-and-a-half,” Kerbyson said. “I got some left tackle in one of our springs. I worked there predominately, but it’s been a while. It’s not much change, just plays are going the opposite way.”
Kerbyson made his career start in Tennessee’s season opener and has made 21 career appearances since his redshirt freshman season. In 2013, Kerbyson played in all 12 games as a reserve lineman and as part of the kick-block unit on special teams. As a freshman, Kerbyson made his debut against Georgia state and saw action as a back-uup tackle in seven games.
The former Knoxville Catholic standout enjoyed a decorated high school career that was capped off by a Tennessee Mr. Football AAA Lineman of the Year award in 2010. Kerbyson also earned TSWA All-State honors and allowed zero sacks in 252 pass attempts as a senior.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
