Spring Enrollees
Up first, the new faces on the roster to be on the lookout for. Tennessee had 10 of their signees enroll early, as well as adding at least one preferred walk-on and two transfers. Of the 13 new additions, 7 are expected to contribute on the offensive side of the ball. At this time, defensive back Tyus Fields is expected to miss most or all of spring football as he recovers from offseason surgery.
Chris Akporoghene, OL, 6-5, 294
Warren Burrell, DB, 6-0, 170
Quavaris Crouch, LB, 6-2, 230
Tyus Fields, DB, 5-10, 190
Deangelo Gibbs, WR/DB, 6-1, 205 (transfer)
Eric Gray, RB, 5-10, 195
Ramel Keyton, WR, 6-3, 185
Jackson Lowe, TE, 6-5, 242
Brian Maurer, QB, 6-3, 184
Jaylen McCollough, DB, 6-0, 194
Wanya Morris, OL, 6-6, 311
West Shuler, LB, 6-3, 223 (preferred walk-on)
Aubrey Solomon, DL, 6-3, 297 (transfer)
Both Gibbs and Solomon are expected to have waiver requests submitted for immediate eligibility, but there exists no timetable right now for those waivers to be either granted or denied and the issue may extend into the summer. However, eligible or not, they will be allowed to practice fully with the team.
Known Spring Roster by Position
2 - Jarrett Guarantano, QB, 6-4, 209, RJR
12 - J.T. Shrout, QB, 6-3, 210, RFR
NA - Brian Maurer, QB, 6-3, 184, FR
8 - Ty Chandler, RB, 5-11, 201, JR
9 - Tim Jordan, RB, 5-11, 203, JR
27 - Carlin Fils-aime, RB, 5-11, 180, SR
28 - James Christian, RB, 5-8, 199, RJR
33 - Jeremy Banks, RB, 6-1, 211, SO
35 - Ramsey Hailey, RB, 5-7, 181, RSO
36 - Tanner Dobrucky, RB, 5-9, 185, RSO
42 - Chip Omer, RB, 6-0, 191, RJR
44 - Princeton Fant, RB, 6-2, 222, RSO
NA - Eric Gray, RB, 5-10, 195, FR
1 - Marquez Callaway, WR, 6-2, 200, SR
7 - Brandon Johnson, WR, 6-2, 189, SR
10 - Tyler Byrd, WR, 5-11, 200, SR
11 - Jordan Murphy, WR, 6-0, 177, JR
13 - Richard Mize Jr., WR, 5-10, 175, RSO
15 - Jauan Jennings, WR, 6-3, 221 RSR
21 - Jacquez Jones, WR, 5-10, 169, RSO
26 - Jay Shoop, WR, 6-1, 184, RSO
38 - Grant Frerking, WR, 6-5, 192, RSO
83 - Maleik Gray, WR, 6-2, 200, RSO
84 - Josh Palmer, WR, 6-2, 201, JR
85 - Cedric Tillman, WR, 6-3, 212, RFR
NA - Deangelo Gibbs, WR, 6-1, 205, RSO
NA - Ramel Keyton, WR, 6-3, 185, FR
4 - Dominick Wood-Anderson, TE, 6-4, 257, SR
81 - Austin Pope, TE, 6-4, 240, RJR
84 - James Brown, TE, 6-3, 229, RSO
86 - Andrew Craig, TE, 6-4, 240, RJR
87 - Jacob Warren, TE, 6-6, 224, RFR
88 - LaTrell Bumphus, TE, 6-3, 263, JR
NA - Jackson Lowe, TE, 6-5, 242, FR
50 - Joey Cave, OL, 6-4, 312, RJR
55 - Brandon Kennedy, OL, 6-3, 301, RSR
56 - Riley Locklear, OL, 6-4, 293, JR
57 - Nathan Niehaus, OL, 6-6, 287, RJR
58 - Jahmir Johnson, OL, 6-5, 285, RJR
60 - Michael Raymond, OL, 6-1, 267, RJR
66 - Eric Crosby, OL, 6-1, 328, RSO
67 - Joe Keeler, OL, 6-5, 290, RSR
68 - Marcus Tatum, OL, 6-6, 293, RJR
69 - Brian Garvey, OL, 6-3, 286, RJR
70 - Ryan Johnson, OL, 6-6, 302, RJR
73 - Trey Smith, OL, 6-6, 320, JR (future in doubt)
74 - K'Rojhn Calbert, OL, 6-5, 327, RSO
75 - Jerome Carvin, OL, 6-5, 303, SO
78 - Ollie Lane, OL, 6-4, 308, RFR
79 - Jarious Abercrombie, OL, 6-4, 322, RFR
NA - Chris Akporoghene, OL, 6-5, 294, FR
NA - Wanya Morris, OL, 6-6, 311, FR
48 - Ja'Quain Blakely, DL, 6-2, 260, RJR
52 - Maurese Smith, DL, 6-2, 305, RSO
54 - Kingston Harris, DL, 6-3, 316, RFR
55 - Gatkek Kueth, DL, 6-2, 234, RSO
59 - John Mincey, DL, 6-3, 264, SO
79 - Kurott Garland, DL, 6-3, 275, RFR
90 - Greg Emerson, DL, 6-3, 305, RFR
93 - Emmit Gooden, DL, 6-3, 306, SR
94 - Matthew Butler, DL, 6-4, 276, JR
96 - Airin Spell, DL, 6-1, 287, RFR
NA - Aubrey Solomon, DL, 6-3, 297, JR
8 - Jordan Allen, LB, 6-4, 242, RJR
13 - Deandre Johnson, LB, 6-3, 244, JR
19 - Darrell Taylor, LB, 6-4, 247, RSR
21 - Shanon Reid, LB, 6-0, 218, JR
23 - Will Ignont, LB, 6-1, 239, JR
31 - Nick Humphrey, LB, 6-1, 208, RSO
34 - Darrin Kirkland Jr., LB, 6-1, 234, RSR
35 - Daniel Bituli, LB, 6-3, 244, SR
38 - Solon Page III, LB, 6-2, 211, RSO
40 - J.J. Peterson, LB, 6-2, 231, RFR
46 - Joshua Warren, LB, 6-3, 222, RSO
47 - Landon Knoll, LB, 6-3, 219, RSR
48 - Matt Ballard, LB, 6-0, 219, RJR
57 - Nyles Gaddy, LB, 6-4, 226, RFR
95 - Kivon Bennett, LB, 6-2, 266, JR
NA - Quavaris Crouch, LB, 6-2, 230, FR
NA - West Shuler, LB, 6-3, 223, FR
6 - Alontae Taylor, DB, 6-0, 186, SO
9 - Garrett Johnson, DB, 5-11, 182, RJR
12 - Shawn Shamburger, DB, 5-11, 193, JR
18 - Nigel Warrior, DB, 6-0, 188, SR
20 - Bryce Thompson, DB, 5-11, 180, SO
25 - Trevon Flowers, DB, 5-11, 184, SO
26 - Theo Jackson, DB, 6-2, 193, JR
28 - Baylen Buchanan, DB, 5-11, 193, SR
29 - Brandon Davis, DB, 5-10, 170, RFR
33 - MaLeik Gatewood, DB, 5-10, 194, RSR
36 - Terrell Bailey, DB, 5-11, 186, RSO
37 - Sam Harvin, DB, 5-11, 192, RJR
41 - Kenneth George Jr., DB, 5-11, 195, RJR
43 - Jake Powers, DB, 6-0, 178, RSO
44 - Cheyenne Labruzza, DB, 5-11, 188, RSO
NA - Warren Burrell, DB, 6-0, 170, FR
NA - Tyus Fields, DB, 5-10, 190, FR
NA - Jaylen McCollough, DB, 6-0, 194, FR
46 - Riley Lovingood, LS, 6-0, 213, RSR
59 - Jake Yelich, LS, 6-2, 226, RJR
37 - Paxton Books, P, 6-6, 180, SO
47 - Joe Doyle, P, 6-0, 201, RFR
42 - Brent Cimaglia, PK, 6-0, 210, JR
43 - Laszlo Toser, PK, 5-8, 194, RSR
Projected Spring Depth Chart
- Quarterback
- Jarrett Guarantano, 6-4, 209
- J.T. Shrout, 6-3, 210 or Brian Maurer, 6-3, 184
- Running Back
- Ty Chandler, 5-11, 201 or Tim Jordan, 5-11, 203
- Eric Gray, 5-10, 195 or Carlin Fils-aime, 5-11, 180 or Jeremy Banks, 6-1, 211
- Wide Receiver 1
- Marquez Callaway, 6-2, 200
- Brandon Johnson, 6-2, 189
- Wide Receiver 2
- Jauan Jennings, 6-3, 221
- Ramel Keyton, 6-3, 185
- Wide Receiver 3
- Josh Palmer, 6-2, 201
- Jordan Murphy, 6-0, 177
- Tight End
- Dominick Wood-Anderson, 6-4, 257
- Jackson Lowe, 6-5, 242
- Left Tackle
- Wanya Morris, 6-6, 311
- K'Rojhn Calbert, 6-5, 327
- Left Guard
- Jerome Carvin, 6-5, 303
- Ollie Lane, 6-4, 308
- Center
- Brandon Kennedy, 6-3, 301
- Ryan Johnson, 6-6, 302
- Right Guard
- Jahmir Johnson, 6-5, 285
- Riley Locklear, 6-4, 293
- Right Tackle
- Marcus Tatum, 6-6, 293
- Chris Akporoghene, 6-5, 294
- Defensive End
- Matthew Butler, 6-4, 276 or John Mincey, 6-3, 264
- Ja'Quain Blakely, 6-2, 260
- Nose Tackle
- Emmit Gooden, 6-3, 306
- Kingston Harris, 6-3, 316
- Defensive Tackle
- Aubrey Solomon, 6-3, 297
- Greg Emerson, 6-3, 305
- Jack Linebacker
- Deandre Johnson, 6-3, 244
- Kivon Bennett, 6-2, 266
- Will Linebacker
- Darrin Kirkland Jr., 6-1, 234 or J.J. Peterson, 6-2, 231
- Shanon Reid, 6-0, 218
- Mike Linebacker
- Daniel Bituli, 6-3, 244
- Will Ignont, 6-1, 239
- Sam Linebacker
- Darrell Taylor, 6-4, 247
- Jordan Allen, 6-4, 242 or Quavaris Crouch, 6-2, 230
- Cornerback 1
- Bryce Thompson, 5-11, 180
- Kenneth George Jr., 5-11, 195
- Cornerback 2
- Alontae Taylor, 6-0, 186
- Warren Burrell, 6-0, 170
- Star (Nickel)
- Baylen Buchanan, 5-11, 193
- Shawn Shamburger, 5-11, 193
- Strong Safety
- Nigel Warrior, 6-0, 188
- Jaylen McCollough, 6-0, 194
- Free Safety
- Trevon Flowers, 5-11, 184
- Theo Jackson, 6-2, 193
- Placekicker
- Brent Cimaglia, 6-0, 210
- Laszlo Toser, 5-8, 194
- Punter
- Joe Doyle, 6-0, 201
- Paxton Brooks, 6-6, 180
- Kickoff Specialist
- Paxton Brooks, 6-6, 180
- Brent Cimaglia, 6-0, 201
- Kick Returner
- Ty Chandler, 5-11, 201
- Bryce Thompson, 5-11, 180
- Punt Returner
- Marquez Callaway, 6-2, 200
- Eric Gray, 5-10, 195
- Long Snapper
- Riley Lovingood, 6-0, 213
- Jake Yelich, 6-2, 226
LaTrell Bumphus - Bumphus has been a situation tight end up to this point in his career, primarily serving as a blocker. However, coming out of high school many programs wanted Bumphus to play defensive end, a position he excelled at prior to having a solid senior campaign at tight end. With the Vols tight on numbers this spring on the defensive line, Bumphus could easily become a competitor for playing time at defensive end.
Eric Crosby - Crosby was a 4-star defensive tackle out of high school prior to being moved to guard last season. A major weight fluctuation and conditioning issues held him back after first arriving on campus. A lack of length was part of the move to offense as he wasn't able to consistently get separation from blockers, but he's yet to make any noise on offense either, and the number issues on the defensive line could prompt a move back to his old position.
Jeremy Banks - Banks did a bit of bouncing back and forth between running back and linebacker last season, and this spring the time has come to decide on his future home. Realistically, he probably ends up remaining at running back as the linebacker position got more crowded with the additions of three recruits to the mix there as well as redshirt freshman J.J. Peterson's continued development. Pruitt prefers bigger backs, and Banks fits that bill well. However, with his energy and upside, he could develop into an excellent linebacker as well.
Princeton Fant - Wide receiver. Tight end. Running back. Princeton Fant has had a time trying to find a home. He's a big athlete at 6-2, 222, and he could fit a number of roles, most likely either at tight end or running back right now. I'll go ahead and step out on a limb and say Fant settles in at running back, but as more of a fullback. I don't know if true fullbacks will be used by Chaney, but he has in the past. Fant certainly seems like someone who could excel in that role.
Alontae Taylor - This one is almost definitely not happening, but Taylor didn't have the finish to his freshman season that he was hoping for. There are three new likely corners joining the mix by this summer and two are on campus now. Taylor was viewed by most as an offensive weapon out of high school, and he could certainly become one. That said, he still had a solid freshman campaign, is still developing in that role, and there isn't a huge need on offense of his services right now.
Quavaris Crouch - Again, almost certainly not going to happen, but Crouch was highly recruited as a running back out of high school. However, Crouch would prefer to make his home on defense in order to try for a longer professional career. Crouch is expected to get his first look at the outside linebacker positions, but his highest upside might be at inside linebacker. Which of the four linebacker spots he ultimately lands at is hard to say, but he will almost certainly stick with defense primarily. That said, certain packages to allow him to run the ball on offense might end up popping up in order to utilize his size and athleticism as a running back.
Spring Strengths
Offensive Specialists - Quarterback. Running back. Wide receiver. Tight end. Things are actually pretty good here on the whole. The returning passing production amounts to 2,966 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions with 12.3 yards per completion and 7.6 yards per attempt while completing 61.8%. The quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers have combined for 573 carries, 2,096 yards, and 19 touchdowns. While that only amounts to 3.7 yards per carry, that falls mainly on the quarterback numbers, where the average is -1.3 yards per carry. The running backs have averaged 4.6 yards per carry and the wide receivers averaged 7.1. As for the receiving numbers, it gets really impressive with 291 catches, 4,108 yards, and 25 touchdowns. This really is an offense that is better line play away from putting up very impressive numbers.
Secondary - There is experience here, and as a collective, they return career totals of 385 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 4 interceptions, 27 passes defended, 8 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. There's still plenty of room for improvement, and spring newcomers Warren Burrell and Jaylen McCollough will try to help shore up areas of relative weakness, as will Tyus Fields once he's healthy enough to begin practicing with the team. This group should be able to provide a solid challenge to Tennessee's quality group of wide receivers, allowing them to push each other to improve.
Linebackers - Arguably the most experienced group on the field for the Vols in 2019, the linebackers have been at worst solidly productive and excellent when they've played at their best. Led by three seniors in Darrell Taylor, Daniel Bituli, and Darrin Kirkland Jr., it's also fair to say that with new talent entering the mix perhaps only Taylor is able to feel comfortable in keeping his job. As a group, the linebackers have career totals of 497 tackles, 49.5 tackles for loss, 20 sacks, 3 interceptions, 12 passes defended, 8 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries. Solid against both the run and the pass, this group can only get better this season.
Special Teams - Tennessee loses very little from what was a very solid special teams group. Freshman Paxton Brooks was solid all season on kickoffs. Joe Doyle was a Freshman All-American in his first season handling the Vols punting duties. Brent Cimaglia hit on nearly 77% of his field goals and 100% of his PATs. Tennessee had two punt return touchdowns and led the conference in fewest punt return yards allowed. This was a very good group that is only going to keep getting better with more experience.
Spring Weaknesses
Offensive Line - Obviously the Vols are still waiting on some offensive line additions that are coming in this summer, and the status of Trey Smith is up in the air. On top of that, three other offensive linemen have forced to retire due to medical issues and Drew Richmond, a starter in 25 games for the Vols, is in the transfer portal and is not expected to return. Wanya Morris and Chris Akporoghene are certainly going to be quality additions to the room this spring, and reports have Jahmir Johnson, Marcus Tatum, and Nathan Niehaus are all approaching or over 300 pounds. Things may prove better than they have been in the past, but there's still a lot of unknowns. Until the offensive line can prove itself, it has to be considered a probable weakness.
Defensive Line - This is partially about the limited availability of bodies with just 8 scholarship players expected on the defensive line to begin spring practice. As previously mentioned, there are a couple of guys who could be moved to the defensive line to help fill some of these holes, and a further three defensive linemen will be joining the team in May. This isn't necessarily going to be an issue into the season. The bigger concern is the lack of returning production. Emmit Gooden had 33 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and a sack last season, his first with the Vols. The rest of the returning defensive linemen bring back a combined 24 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack of production in their careers. The defensive line is going to get a nice boost from the presence of Aubrey Solomon this spring, and four of the returners are going into just their second season in college. There's plenty of potential. The big question is whether or not that potential can be tapped.
What to Expect
In the spring, it's likely the offenses, and especially the running game will impress. The defensive line, even with additional moves, is going to be shorthanded and undermanned for the most part. This should be advantageous to the offensive line and running backs. It's reasonable to think that the quarterbacks should find time to work as well, and the receivers are an impressive group.
While the secondary should be solid in the spring, the front seven will probably struggle as a whole as the defensive line won't demand enough of the blockers' attention and the linebackers will find themselves having to beat blocks far too often. The longer the quarterback and receivers have to work, the tougher the job for the secondary and this could lead to the defense struggling on all three levels. Again, I maintain that there's still plenty of reason to think and hope things are much better by the end of August, but there will be struggles as the defensive line continues to develop.
Wanya Morris is the most obvious freshman to watch to potentially win a starting job this spring, but he's not the only one with a chance. While Dominick Wood-Anderson had his moments last season, he was far from explosive in the passing game. Jackson Lowe will have a chance to make a move to pass up the rising senior. Speaking of a freshman with a chance to surpass a rising senior, Nigel Warrior struggled last season, and Jaylen McCollough should come in and immediately push the senior legacy player. Chris Akporoghene is a raw talent, but depending on where he starts out on the offensive line, he could have an opportunity for his physical traits to push him toward the front of the line. I would guess that guard provides him the best chance of making that move, but I think he will start off at tackle just based on need. Quavaris Crouch is the last one to keep an eye on to push for a starting job, but he needs to figure out where he's going to fit as well. The staff wants to give him his first look at outside linebacker, and I think he would have trouble overtaking Darrell Taylor at Sam. Maybe he could push at Jack where there are some questions about the returning production, but he might not have the build to be an edge rusher. I think his best chance to start could be bouncing inside at either Will or Mike, where the two returning senior starters struggled last season.
Tennessee currently needs to clear more space to add all their signees, at least everyone in the transfer portal currently as well as at minimum three others. Right now, I'd say the top candidates to transfer if they don't make moves toward increased playing time this spring are defensive backs Terrell Bailey and Cheyenne Labruzza, linebacker Solon Page III, wide receivers Jacquez Jones and Maliek Gray, and running back/tight end Princeton Fant. Keep an eye out for news that one or more are missing practices or announcements regarding transferring.
Players to Watch
Alontae Taylor - Heading into his second season at corner, he's poised to take a significant leap forward in his skill set and really establish himself as a future star at the position.
Trevon Flowers - He had some shining moments when healthy last season, but now back to full health after an injury and with Todd Kelly Jr. and Micah Abernathy both out of eligibility, it should be his time to take the reins of a starting safety job.
Emmit Gooden - Gooden was very solid last year. He needs to be exceptional as a senior with four seniors and all three starters are gone from last year's defense.
John Mincey - This could also easily have been Matthew Butler because the same thing applies: Tennessee needs to replace Kyle Phillips so it's put up or shut up time for a player that the staff has raved about at times.
Jordan Allen - After flirting with transferring closer to home, Allen returns to Knoxville with a chance or perhaps even the expectation that his role will expand at outside linebacker. The time is now this spring because more competition comes in the form of Roman Harrison in May.
Quavaris Crouch - It may be up in the air which linebacker spot he lands at, but he's incredibly talented and other than Darrell Taylor nobody is well entrenched as a starter. Crouch can win a job this spring if he turns it on right away.
J.J. Peterson - Sometimes the forgotten star recruit, Peterson was the crown jewel of the 2018 class before issues enrolling stunted his development. Much like Crouch, he could play any of the four linebacker spots, but look for him to probably start out inside.
Wanya Morris - He's a 5-star recruit at a position of desperate need. He is fully expected to start for the Vols. He has to be good this spring and take the job or he probably finds himself at guard by the end of spring football.
Jerome Carvin - He was poised to see significant playing time last season, and he did play in all 12 games, but he was in and out of the starting lineup. He needs to establish himself as a starter this spring.
Jahmir Johnson - He was too good to be under 280-pounds in the SEC on the offensive line. He's reportedly packed on some meaningful weight and could become one of the conference's best guards. Similar stories for Nathan Niehaus and Marcus Tatum.
Jackson Lowe - Dominick Wood-Anderson wasn't pushed meaningfully for the job last season. Lowe could push the rising senior for playing time and that push should start this spring.
Brandon Johnson - A frustrating junior season should serve as motivation for Johnson to have a strong senior campaign. He went from 37 receptions as a sophomore to just 14 last season.
Spring Stars
Jarrett Guarantano - He doesn't just establish himself as the starter this spring but begins to show signs of being able to take over games with better and more focused coaching.
Ty Chandler - He's bigger, stronger, and more SEC-ready. He'll still share plenty of carries, but he's going to emerge as a legitimate SEC starter with his speed and improved physique.
Josh Palmer - He led the team in yards per reception last year and could easily become a top receiver in the conference if Guarantano does take the step forward expected under Chaney and Weinke.
Dominick Wood-Anderson - He was brought in with an eye toward him being an elite SEC tight end. He wasn't last year, but she showed flashes. A better Guarantano means better numbers for DWA.
Marcus Tatum - He's up to 312-pounds after arriving around 260 as a freshman. Now he's got the strength to go with the length. Right or left, I don't know. I just know he ends the spring starting at one of the tackle spots ahead of an expected summer battle for jobs at tackle.
Aubrey Solomon - No clue whether or not he'll be eligible to play in 2019, but he should absolutely take advantage of his fresh start at Tennessee and the change to playing closer to the edge more often.
Darrell Taylor - He was good last year...in certain games. In others, he was invisible. He should be much more consistent this season after a year at linebacker.
Bryce Thompson - He was a Freshman All-American last year, and he's only going to get better. He has All-American potential and might be a future first rounder.
Spring Game Predictions
- Orange over White, 38-13
- Jarrett Guarantano leading passer, but Shrout/Maurer combine for more overall passing yards
- Chandler and Jordan lead the way on the ground, but Eric Gray has the long run of the day
- Receivers look deep and produce well, but Josh Palmer leads the way
- Offensive lines shove the front seven around, but defenses manage 7 tackles for loss and 2 sacks
- Secondaries pick off three passes but get worked when it comes to yards and touchdowns
- 3-3 on field goals
- Everyone gets excited about the offense and overly nervous about the defense, a feeling that flips quickly in August when the word begins coming out about how good the defense looks with the newcomers in the mix
No comments:
Post a Comment