Andrej Karic's NCAA Eligibility Journey: A Comprehensive Look

College athletes are increasingly advocating for additional eligibility and rights, often with success. However, the case of Tennessee offensive lineman Andrej Karic highlights the complexities and potential disappointments within the NCAA's eligibility rules. This article delves into Karic's journey, the NCAA's decision, and the broader implications for Tennessee's football program.

Karic's Background and the Eligibility Request

Andrej Karic, a 6-foot-6, 314-pound offensive lineman, was a 2020 recruit who transferred to Tennessee from Texas. During his time with the Longhorns, Karic participated in 26 games over three seasons primarily as a backup with only one start. As a third-year sophomore during the 2022 season, Karic earned three starts as blocking tight end in jumbo packages. In 2024, as a fifth-year senior for the Volunteers, he started all 13 games at left guard, logging 770 snaps and allowing just two sacks, according to Pro Football Focus.

After missing a significant portion of the 2023 season due to injury, Karic sought an additional year of eligibility. NCAA rules typically allow players to participate in up to four games or 30 percent of a season while still qualifying for a redshirt year, preserving their four years of eligibility. Karic started the first four games of the 2023 season for the Vols. In the fifth game of that season he suffered a season ending injury just five snaps into the game.

The NCAA's Decision and Rationale

Despite Karic's request and the circumstances surrounding his injury, the NCAA denied his waiver for an extra season. Ultimately, the five snaps in that game cost him a medical redshirt from the NCAA. This decision marked the end of Karic's collegiate career, forcing Tennessee to replace another key player on their offensive line.

Impact on Tennessee's Offensive Line

Karic's departure compounded an already significant roster turnover for Tennessee's offensive line. Several program veterans exit. With Cooper Mays and Javontez Spraggins also having exhausted their eligibility, the Vols faced the challenge of replacing four starters. This situation placed considerable pressure on offensive line coach Glen Elarbee to rebuild the unit.

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Tennessee enjoyed consistency up front, particularly on the interior, for the past few seasons. Josh Heupel hasn’t hardly even had to think about the center position since arriving in Knoxville, with Cooper Mays holding that spot down for so long. The quarterback of the offensive line, Mays was the unquestioned leader and gutted out several big performances through the years as he battled through injuries. His running mate at right guard, Javontez Spraggins, was by his side for much of that run.

Replacements and New Additions

Recognizing the need for experience, Tennessee actively pursued talent in the transfer portal and through recruiting. The additions of Wendell Moe Jr. from Arizona, Sam Pendleton from Notre Dame, and five-star freshman David Sanders aimed to address the losses.

Wendell Moe Jr., a two-year starter from Arizona, will seamlessly slide into a starting guard role for Tennessee. A 6-5, 335 pound powerhouse, he should fit in nicely with the Vols’ stout rushing attack. Sam Pendleton forced his way into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshmen with the Irish, playing at both guard and center. Either option could be his landing spot in Knoxville and that answer will likely be figured out at some point this fall. David Sanders generated plenty of buzz during the spring and should continue to get better throughout the summer as he gets on the nutrition plan to add some weight. With Lance Heard returning to his left tackle spot, Sanders and his elite athleticism make sense to slide right into the right tackle role.

The Center Position: A Key Question Mark

With three starters seemingly set, the focus shifted to the center position. William Satterwhite started working at center last season which likely ended up pushing backup center Vysen Lang (Troy) out the door. Elarbee started working Satterwhite at center last season which likely ended up pushing backup center Vysen Lang (Troy) out the door. Tennessee does seem to have a top six or seven heading into the fall, but it remains to be seen who will be next in line.

Karic's NFL Draft Preparation

With his college eligibility exhausted, Andrej Karic turned his attention to the 2025 NFL Draft. He will begin preparing for the NFL Draft. His experience and performance at Tennessee, particularly his 2024 season, provided him with a foundation for his professional aspirations.

The Use of "12 Personnel" and Karic's Role at Texas

Last season, Texas tight end Gunnar Helm saw 1054 offensive snaps according to Pro Football Focus. Texas loves to use 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends, two wide receivers, one quarterback) and for a variety of reasons. In 2022, the Longhorns made use of 12 personnel with offensive lineman Andrej Karic wearing a number that allowed him to be an eligible receiver. Karic was rarely, if ever, targeted, but his presence alongside Ja’Tavion Sanders forced opponents to have to account for another gap in the Bijan Robinson-fueled run game. This highlights the versatility that Karic brought to the field.

Seniors Departing and the Impact on the Team

At least 17 Tennessee football seniors will play their final regular-season home game at Neyland Stadium against UTEP. Three more players designated as seniors could return in 2025 to utilize an extra season of eligibility because they played the COVID-exempt season in 2020. Of course, some star players like edge rusher James Pearce and running back Dylan Sampson could forgo their remaining eligibility to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. But those decisions will come later.

The departure of seniors like Cooper Mays, Javontez Spraggins, John Campbell, and Andrej Karic marks a significant transition for the team. The team is currently the first team out of that field with two regular-season games remaining.

Potential Replacements and Future Prospects

OL Cooper Mays: All-SEC performer and four-year starter will be among the most challenging players to replace in the SEC. Freshman William Satterwhite or redshirt freshman Vysen Lang could fill his role in 2025, or the Vols may look in the transfer portal. OL Javontez Spraggins: Four-year starter at right guard will leave a big hole that must be filled with an inexperienced young player or a transfer. OL John Campbell: Miami transfer has started at both tackle spots the past two seasons. Bennett Warren, Jesse Perry and others could compete with UT commitment David Sanders, the No. 1 tackle in the 2025 class.

Seniors with Remaining Eligibility

Two starters on the defensive line and a veteran backup quarterback have the option to return for the 2025 season because they have an extra year of eligibility from the COVID season in 2020. DT Bryson Eason: Two-year starter could return as a veteran anchor to a talented but younger defensive line rotation. DE Dominic Bailey: Starter could return and keep depth intact at defensive end. The Vols also have Tyre West, Jayson Jenkins and Tyree Weathersby at strongside defensive end. QB Gaston Moore: Serving another season as Nico Iamaleava’s backup is an option. Jake Merklinger and four-star commitment George MacIntyre are the other projected quarterbacks on the 2025 roster.

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