- Quarterback
- Jarrett Guarantano - 6-4, 200, RSO
- Quinten Dormady - 6-4, 222, SR
- So allow me to offer up my logic on this one here. Guarantano wasn't great last year, but he graded out better than either Dormady or McBride. Of course, Dormady wasn't health and McBride was a true freshman. I don't know that Guarantano will hold onto the job. Dormady had flashes before his shoulder degraded to the point that his play suffered in a major way. What I do know is that if things remain as they were at the end of this past season, Guarantano is likely to be the starter.
- Running back
- Ty Chandler - 5-11, 195, SO
- Carlin Fils-aime - 5-11, 183, JR
- This one I feel pretty alright about. With John Kelly off to the draft, Chandler and Fils-aime are the top two returning running backs. They combined for 102 carries for 520 yards and 4 touchdowns along with 12 receptions for 126 yards. That's 5.1 yards per carry and 10.5 yards per reception. Both also were graded well for their play by Pro Football Focus. Of course, Tim Jordan also graded well in his limited carries and at least one definite addition to the backfield is coming in big back Jeremy Banks, but I'm going with the safe bets here rather than the gamble.
- Wide Receiver 1
- Marquez Callaway - 6-2, 199, JR
- Josh Palmer - 6-2, 198, SO
- Again, playing things safe here. This could change if Jauan Jennings is reinstated or if certain additions are made in recruiting, but right now I'm pretty comfortable with these two. Callaway finished second on the team in receptions and yards, but led by a significant margin in touchdowns. Palmer was #3 among returners in receptions. He was inconsistent at times, but Palmer has shown flashes and should only improve with further coaching.
- Wide Receiver 2
- Brandon Johnson - 6-2, 193, JR
- Princeton Fant - 6-2, 216, RFR
- I'm all in on Johnson being the top option here. I'm a lot less confident in Fant. Johnson led the team in receptions and receiving yards. He was honestly the most reliable receiver on the season. He was pretty solid as a freshman too. Fant didn't play last season, and at one time it was just understood that he would move to tight end. At this point, I think that's probably less likely with the new staff, and given the returning receivers I think that Fant may have a chance to part of the rotation at receiver. However, the right additions could move him out of the top two at one of the receiver spots.
- Slot Receiver
- Jordan Murphy - 5-11, 170, SO
- Alontae Taylor - 6-0, 184, FR
- Murphy played more last season than any of the other slot receiver candidates, and he's the only one to register a reception with Josh Smith out of eligibility and Tyler Byrd likely headed to defense. Murphy was highly sought after out of high school, but he and fellow receiver Jacquez Jones were unable to enroll until the second summer session, which set them both back a little. I'm sticking with Murphy's talent to lead the way at this spot. So why not Jones or Latrell Williams as the #2 in the slot? Taylor is just too talented, despite making the move from high school quarterback to wide receiver. If Taylor were starting by the end of the season, I wouldn't be shocked. That said, Callaway, Johnson, and Murphy were also the three top graded returning receivers.
- Tight End
- Dominick Wood-Anderson - 6-5, 245, JR
- Eli Wolf - 6-4, 224, RJR
- Wood-Anderson is a special talent at tight end. He has drawn comparisons to former Alabama and current Tampa Bay tight end O.J. Howard. For context, Howard was selected in the first round of this past draft. With Ethan Wolf graduated, Wood-Anderson is the best fit to fill in. Eli Wolf finished last season with a solid grade and was second in receptions among tight ends last season behind only his older brother. Wolf could be challenged by LaTrell Bumphus, but Bumphus could also prove to be a candidate for the defensive side of the ball as well. Basically, after Wood-Anderson, things will get a bit jumbled with a number of unproven options who might be able to do the job but maybe not quite the ideal fit for what the new staff is looking for at the position. Moving offensive lineman Nathan Niehaus to tight end is on the table at this point.
- Left Tackle
- Trey Smith - 6-6, 320, SO
- Drew Richmond - 6-5, 309, RJR
- I've gone back and forth on this, but I've finally just accepted the reality: Drew Richmond was a liability last season and has likely lost the starting left tackle job for good, especially if guys like K'Rojhn Calbert and Chance Hall come back healthy. In fact, if the numbers support it, I think moving Richmond inside to guard might be a good move for him. Right now, I don't know that such a move will be practical. Trey Smith had the highest grade of any Vol offensive lineman despite being a true freshman and the 19th highest in the SEC among all offensive linemen. He was excellent. If the Vols want to improve their offense, they have to plug Smith into the most important spot on the offensive line for good.
- Left Guard
- Jerome Carvin - 6-4, 330, FR
- K'Rojhn Calbert - 6-5, 316, RFR
- Carvin is just too good at this point to keep off the field. The proven options are few and far between, so gambling on an incredibly talented young play only makes sense. Calbert fits a similar description at this point. He could also be an option at tackle, but for now I'm going to lean on guard for a young and inexperienced offensive lineman.
- Center
- Ollie Lane - 6-5, 285, FR
- Ryan Johnson - 6-6, 300, RSO
- Ollie Lane is an excellent interior lineman and an early enrollee. Meanwhile, no true centers are on the roster and Johnson struggled at guard and in the little work he got at center as well. This could probably go either way, but I like Lane. He doesn't have many bad habits on film, so there isn't too much to fix with him.
- Right Guard
- Riley Locklear - 6-5, 295, SO
- Devante Brooks - 6-5, 282, RSO
- Locklear was a true freshman last year, but he played better than your average freshman. In fact, he was the second highest graded player on offense against LSU and highest graded offensive lineman. Basically, he had some freshman moments but also shined at times. He's likely reached the point where he needs to be on the field. Brooks struggled at tackle. Giving him a look at guard is an option unless the Vols can add another body or two at the guard position.
- Right Tackle
- Jahmir Johnson - 6-5, 290, JR
- Chance Hall - 6-4, 315, RJR
- Johnson was one of the top JUCO offensive tackles in the past cycle, and his length and athleticism are perfect for the right tackle spot. Marcus Tatum struggled last year, along with most of the offensive line, so if he's healthy enough to play, Chance Hall should be in the two deep somewhere. That said, it's hard to envision Hall being his old self right away, so I think Johnson will be the top dog at right tackle.
- Left End
- Jonathan Kongbo - 6-6, 264, RSR
- Greg Emerson - 6-3, 280, FR
- Kongbo has been working like he wants to move to linebacker in the new defensive scheme, but realistically this big bodied end won't be making that move. Instead, he'll use his size and strength at the end position, sticking at end when the defense shifts into a 4-3 look. Emerson is another player determined to be an end, and with his size and athleticism there's no reason he shouldn't fit well into the scheme. Emerson is probably too natural a fit to keep off the field this coming season. If Kongbo makes the move to linebacker or if Emerson isn't yet 100%, I'd expect Matthew Butler to be in the mix here. He should be part of the rotation regardless.
- Nose Guard
- Alexis Johnson - 6-4, 300, RSR
- Eric Crosby - 6-1, 336, RFR
- Johnson wasn't nearly as highly graded as McKenzie, who led the Vols defensive linemen in grade, but certainly graded higher than some of the other defensive tackles last season. Eric Crosby should take advantage of the early departure of Kahlil McKenzie in order to serve as the #2 at the nose, unless he really takes the bull by the horns and takes over the starting job.
- Right End
- Shy Tuttle - 6-2, 308, SR
- Kyle Phillips - 6-4, 263, SR
- I think Phillips is probably too big to make the move to linebacker, and Tuttle is probably a bit too athletic to waste at nose guard. That said, if Phillips were to make the move to linebacker, look for Kivon Bennett or Brant Lawless to make a move here. Quay Picou could also be an option here. Tuttle is on the road to getting healthy. If he does, watch out. He's very, very good and more athletic than you'd expect from a man his size.
- Jack Linebacker
- Darrell Taylor - 6-4, 254, RJR
- Jordan Allen - 6-5, 230, RSO
- Darrell Taylor was ridiculously athletic from the time he arrived on campus and that hasn't changed as he's added weight. Despite some struggles across the defense, Taylor still had a strong sophomore campaign with 27 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and 5 quarterback hurries. He can still move like a linebacker and should fit in perfectly as the Jack, a hybrid LB/DE. Jordan Allen was a high school wide receiver and defensive back, so that's just a little sample of how athletic he is. He's an ideal fit for this position in the new defense.
- Weakside Linebacker
- Darrin Kirkland Jr. - 6-1, 238, RJR
- JJ Peterson - 6-2, 210, FR
- Kirkland has had some health issues, but not enough to lead you to believe he's anything but one of the best linebackers on the roster when he's healthy. He's got the size and speed to make plays at any time, and now that he has a chance to move to the weakside spot, he won't have to spend all his time thinking and can just play fast and hard. Peterson is an amazing athlete, and although he may not have the ideal size yet he's too good to keep off the field.
- Middle Linebacker
- Daniel Bituli - 6-3, 235, JR
- Will Ignont - 6-1, 228, SO
- Bituli had a breakout season last year. He established himself as the middle linebacker, and I expect him to retain that role going forward. He looks the part of an Alabama linebacker, and he should be quick to adapt to the new scheme. Ignont had a surprisingly good season by grade despite limited playing time. He too should benefit from the new defense and improved coaching.
- Strongside Linebacker
- Quarte' Sapp - 6-2, 222, RJR
- Austin Smith - 6-3, 236, RJR
- Plugging Sapp in here is predicated on him adding weight, which is something that I think he can and will do. Put 8-10 pounds on Sapp and he should be a perfect fit for the strongside spot. Austin Smith has still been fighting to stay healthy, but when he's been healthy he's impressed. These two players have both shown promise, although Sapp has had more opportunities to show off his talents.
- Cornerback 1
- Tyler Byrd - 6-0, 195, JR
- Marquill Osborne - 5-11, 188, JR
- Byrd was one of the most highly regarded corners in his class, so of course he's spent the last two seasons on offense. Logic, right? Osborne hasn't been great yet, but he's been serviceable for the most part. At this point, it's hard to believe that the staff won't add corners to the class, and if they do I have every reason to believe Osborne will be one of the odd men out or shift inside to nickel.
- Cornerback 2
- Cheyenne Labruzza - 6-0, 188, SO
- Baylen Buchanan - 5-11, 185, JR
- Labruzza didn't play most of last season, but in camp he showed flashes. So much so that the previous staff decided to try him at safety even though he'd been showing flashes at corner because, well, logic again. Labruzza is another defensive back with the kind of size that the new staff covets. Buchanan again has been serviceable and might be best suited at nickel at this point, but until the numbers improve at corner this is how he'll have to fit in.
- Nickelback/Star
- Shawn Shamburger - 6-0, 191, SO
- Micah Abernathy - 6-0, 203, SR
- Shamburger was an excellent player in the secondary for a freshman. He was far from perfect, but given that he was pressed into action by injuries, he gave you about all you could have asked for. In fact, Shamburger, a big, physical corner, might be one guy I think holds this job regardless of recruiting. He's a corner with safety size and the aggression to make plays in the backfield. In other words, he makes perfect sense at the nickel spot. Abernathy struggled at safety last year. Mind you, he had to play a lot of downs, but I think a change of pace back to the nickel/star role is probably going to serve him well. He's not a free safety, and Warrior will be entrenched at strong safety. This is likely his best fit next season.
- Strong Safety
- Nigel Warrior - 6-0, 194, JR
- Maleik Gray - 6-2, 191, RFR
- Warrior had a breakout season last year, and he is the closest thing to Minkah Fitzpatrick on the roster right now. That's how he'll be used by the new staff. As an in-the-box safety, Warrior has the speed and aggression to get the job done while also handling business in coverage as necessary. Gray, a high school linebacker, should adjust well to the new scheme as his duties will be more similar to those of an outside linebacker than they were in the prior defensive scheme.
- Free Safety
- Todd Kelly Jr. - 5-11, 200, RSR
- Theo Jackson - 6-1, 178, SO
- Kelly is back and it's a no brainer to say he'll be motivated. An injury derailed last season for him, and he's out to prove he's an NFL talent. His speed has been a question at times, but his instincts as a free safety have served him well to the tune of 14 passes defended and 8 interceptions despite really only having one full season as a starter. This is the right fit for him this upcoming season. Jackson is very much like junior draft entrant Rashaan Gaulden in that he plays bigger than his size, is a hard hitter, and is better in coverage than you'd expect. He should do a fair bit of growing with the new strength and conditioning coach and while working with the new safety coach.
- Placekicker
- Brent Cimaglia - 6-1, 193, SO
- Laszlo Toser - 5-8, 181, RJR
- Cimaglia is the kicker. He was part of the equation with placekicking last season. He has a big leg and hit on a long of 51 yards last season. He'll improve on his accuracy and provide a reliable option in the kicking game. Toser was a good high school kicker and seems to be the most likely backup at this point.
- Punter
- Paxton Brooks - 6-5, 170, FR
- Grayson Pontius - 6-2, 205, RJR
- Brooks is one of the top punters in this cycle, and he has a big leg and can get solid hangtime. He should get a jump on replacing Trevor Daniel as an early enrollee. Pontius has had a long and winding journey to Tennessee that included two stops at East Mississippi CC and a year at Marshall. He was a kicker primarily until last season, when he finally focused on punting. He averaged 40 yards per punt last year, which is solid, but compared to Brooks, who averaged 42.4 yards per punt and showcased his leg in the Under Armour All-American game with a 40.2 yard average and a long of 52 with one pinned inside the 20.
- Long Snapper
- Riley Lovingood - 6-0, 210, RJR
- Elijah Medford - 5-9, 204, RSR
- Lovingood and Medford have split the snapping duties for the last couple seasons, with Medford serving as the short snapper on field goals and PATs and Lovingood the long snapper on punts. That is likely to continue this season. Both are excellent in their respective roles.
- Holder
- Parker Henry - 6-1, 187, RSR
- If Henry goes down, your guess is as good as mine who replaces him. He's handled the duties for the past two seasons, and I don't know that there's a clear #2 in the role.
As I said before, this is all subject to change. It's just a bit of fun to bridge the gap until the dead period ends and recruiting picks back up. Once we get past NSD, I'll likely do this again right before spring practice. In the meantime, enjoy this and feel free to debate. GBO!
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