Brent Venables points out Tennessee player who 'plays with an edge'; makes big statement about key position group for UT

Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables made it clear on Tuesday while speaking with reporters that he has a lot of respect for the Tennessee Vols' offensive line.

And more specifically, he has a ton of respect for Vols center Cooper Mays.

Venables pointed out Mays as a guy who "plays with an edge".

The third year Oklahoma head coach also noted that the Sooners pursued Vols starting left tackle Lance Heard in the NCAA transfer portal during the offseason (Heard transferred from LSU to Tennessee).

"We went after one of their starters in the transfer portal market," said Venables. "Great player for them, their left tackle. I really have a tremendous amount of respect for how they play up front. They are really aggressive. Cooper Mays, their center, someone that I know [his] family. Cade Mays, his (older) brother, played at both Georgia and Tennessee as well. And man, he plays with an edge. He just plays the position, and their whole offensive line, they get down in their stance, man they're getting down with authority. They're sending a message.

"They're incredibly physical.....they play a physical brand of football. I just have a lot of appreciation and respect for what that looks like. And one of the best offensive lines I've seen in a while. And having faced SEC teams through the years, this is one of those offensive lines in my opinion."

Tennessee's offensive line doesn't have a lot of proven depth, but their starters are elite. This is a game that will be won and lost in the trenches, which is why it feels like the Vols have an excellent chance to pull out a win on the road.

Oklahoma, however, is no pushover. They haven't fired on all cylinders this year while dealing with some injuries, but they're still 3-0. And they clearly aren't taking the Vols lightly.

Tennessee has the talent to win this game by double digits, but it won't be easy. The Vols will have to attack on both sides of the ball, find a way to take the crowd of the game early, and run the ball effectively if they're going to leave Norman with a win on Saturday night.

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