Ory Williams arrived at Tennessee with an opportunity waiting for him.
The Vols lost starting left tackle Lance Heard and backup Bennett Warren to the transfer portal following the 2025 season, creating a need for another experienced tackle.
Tennessee found one in Williams, a 6-foot-8, 330-pound transfer who appeared in 13 games and made two starts during two seasons at LSU.
But opportunity didn’t mean an easy transition.
“Spring practice, I’m, you know, I’m honest with myself. It was kind of rough,” Williams said. “You know, that spring, that spring was kind of rough for me.”
The biggest challenge wasn’t Tennessee’s tempo. Williams had to learn a new offense and scheme while also becoming comfortable playing on the right side.
“They do things differently here on Rocky Top,” Williams said.
Williams used the summer to close that gap.
He spent more time studying in the meeting room, getting repetitions and working with Tennessee’s assistant coaches on his technique. He also leaned on teammates Jesse Perry and Sam Pendleton while learning the system.
“During the summer, I feel like I put in a lot of work, and it’s showing in camp,” Williams said.
Offensive line coach Glen Elarbee sees the progress.
“He knows it a little bit better,” Elarbee said. “I think he is trying to play more physical.”
Williams is now trying to turn that improvement into a starting job.
Tennessee has several options at tackle, including David Sanders Jr., and Williams isn’t hiding his intentions when the two discuss the competition.
“I always, you know, tell him, you know, I’m coming for the job. I’m coming for the job,” Williams said.
The competition remains friendly. Williams said his focus is on controlling his own performance and putting his best work on film.
“Hopefully at the end of camp, I got that job,” Williams said.
Elarbee said Williams still has mental mistakes to eliminate, but believes he has made significant strides since arriving at Tennessee.
“He’s come a long, long way with that,” Elarbee said.
After spending the spring trying to get comfortable in Tennessee’s offense, Williams has a different objective in preseason camp.
He’s trying to get on the field.
