'It's Football Time in Tennessee. Well, actually it's Spring Football Time in Tennessee. Our Volunteers returned to the practice field yesterday for the first time since bowl preparations for Iowa in the Taxslayer/Gator Bowl. It's year three of the Butch Jones era at Tennessee and for the first time in a long time, there will be expectations beyond just getting to 6 wins and being bowl eligible.
The national media has been heaping praises on the Volunteers ever since we dismantled Iowa back in January.
Josh Dobbs has been mentioned as a Heisman Candidate by the likes of Big Booger McFarland on the SEC Network. Some national media guys have even gone as far as saying the Vols could be a dark horse candidate to make College Football's Final Four and claim a spot in the playoff.
While I do think some of this praise is putting the cart before the horse,
I do think this could be a breakout year for the Volunteers. I think this team can compete for the eastern division and getting to double-digit wins isn't out of the question.
The talent level is the best it's been in over a decade. There isn't a unit on the squad that I don't feel better about this year, as opposed to last. We should be better across the board.
While we're still a young football team, we're an experienced team. Our youngsters are growing up and that could spell doom for a lot of SEC foes.
Now, let's talk about some spring practice and some of the things to watch for.
QB's - We all know you're just one injury away from taking the field and going under center in this league at QB. I think the most important thing we do this spring is develop our young QB's.
I don't expect us to name a #2 QB this spring because Sheriron Jones is going to get a crack at it when he arrives this summer.
I do think Quinton Dormady can put himself in a really good position for that #2 spot this spring. He's going to have an edge over Sheriron just because he's had a head start being an early enrollee.
I'm told JuJaun Jennings is really raw and not to expect him in the mix. While this is no means the 100% gospel, I've been told, not to be surprised if Jennings is redshirted and possibly finds another position.
RB's -
This spring is about finding the right mix of Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara. These two are going to see the bulk of the load at RB this fall. Hurd will go through spring ball in a non contact jersey, while Kamara is full steam ahead. I think these guys are going split carries this season and who knows, with Mike DeBord as OC, there could be times we see both lined up in the backfield this fall.
The real RB battle will take place this summer when UT tries to find that all important 3rd back to take 5-8 carries a game and lighten the load for Hurd and Kamara. John Kelly in all likelihood fills that void. He arrives this summer.
LB - Who steps up and takes A.J Johnson's spot in the middle/inside.
Dillon Bates is going to get a crack on the inside spot. Gavin Bryant, Cortez Mcdowell, maybe the Kirkland kid this summer will get a crack at it. It should be an interesting battle that could go all the way until kickoff of that first game.
OL - It will be interesting seeing how the O-Line shakes out. There's a lot of competition here.
You have returning starters Kerbyson, Crowder, Jackson, Robertson, Kendrick. Can Dontavius Blair step up?...
Can Jack Jones or Chance Hall find some playing time? Can Coleman Thomas carve out a spot?
Will Drew Richmond live up to the hype and find playing time this summer? While there's still a lot of sorting out to be done and a lot of question marks, I like the added depth we have this year on the offensive line.
Secondary - One spot we don't have to worry about is Cam Sutton. His side of the field is locked down. Who starts opposite of him is another question.
Malik Foreman will get a crack at it, so will Emmanuel Mosely. That cornerback spot is wide open and it's another battle that could go all the way to kickoff. There's some talented Juco guys that will get a look this summer and if there's one guy
I wouldn't sleep on, it's Rashaan Gaulden. Gaulden is going to find some playing time whether it's at corner or safety.
Speaking of safety,
Todd Kelly Jr. is going to ring some bells this year. I'm told TK Jr. is stronger and faster and the sky is the limit for that young man. The best battle on the team is going to be the battle between TK and LaDarrell McNeil. My money is on Kelly.
DL -
I'm as excited about our defensive line as I've been since Big John and Albert Haynesworth were wreaking havoc on opposing lines. With Derek Barnett and Curt Maggitt returning a robust 21 sacks combined and experience in the middle from the likes of Danny O'Brien and Owen Williams
this could be the best defensive line we've seen in years. There's a ton of depth from guys like
Corey Vereen, Dimarya Mixon, and Latroy Lewis.
It will be interesting seeing if Shy Tuttle can carve out some playing time starting this spring. Freshman DE Andrew Butcher, I'm told, needs to put on weight and ideally I believe the coaches would like to redshirt him. Kahlil McKenzie joins the mix this summer.
These are just some of the battles that will take place this spring. I'm really excited about this upcoming season.
I believe the good times are back and I believe this team has what it takes to go out and win 10 games. I'm not saying they win 10 games(just yet) but I do believe the potential is there.
That's all for now, we'll see ya next time!
Have a Great Day and Go Big Orange!
Your Vol Colonel'
Get the Droid App!
Share This Blog
