Underestimated Newcomers

[UTGhostHunter]

These are the guys that people are overlooking for the upcoming season that could make an immediate impact. These are players who play at thin or underperforming positions where injury or inconsistency could force them into action. It's not that people don't think these guys can play; it's just that everyone thinks they'll need time to develop. The question for each of them is whether or not they will get that luxury.

Quenshaun Watson (RB) is coming in at a position where the Vols could find themselves desperate for someone to make an impact. It's true that Tennessee believes that they have players in place that can perform. Watson has exceptional speed and was a solid performer in high school. Add onto that his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, and you have a homerun threat who could be asked to do more than is generally required of a freshman.

Drae Bowles (WR) has seemingly found his name lost in the shuffle at wide receiver. He isn't as fast as Cordarelle Patterson or "Pig" and he doesn't have the size of Croom. However, Bowles does bring something to the table that the others don't; Bowles is already polished as a receiver. He isn't the fastest, he isn't the tallest, and he isn't the flashiest receiver, but that doesn't stop him because he is one of the smartest I've seen coming out of high school. He finds the holes in the defense and never quits on the play, even when it looks hopeless. Drae not only can help this season; he probably should.

Justin Meredith (TE) has been the ultimate redshirt prospect. He has great potential, but he needs to add weight. Unfortunately, the dismissal of Cam Clear has eliminated any timetables that may have existed for Meredith. The future is now for Meredith. He is a solid receiver, but he won't help much when it comes to the blocking. He will be the third or fourth option (depending on how Bartholomew is used), but he will see the field.

Danny O'Brien (DL) and Trent Taylor (DL) will have to help this season if anyone gets injured (and possibly regardless of injury). Both players can help out at either nose tackle or end. That versatility will make these two highly valuable, and may result in some burnt redshirts.

Kenny Bynum (LB), Justin King (ATH/LB), and LaTroy Lewis (DE/LB) all come in at one of the thinnest spots on the field. These three will find themselves in the most unfortunate position of any of the freshmen. They don't have any choice but to play if injuries begin racking up. Lewis seems to be the most ready for the college game. He has great size and could help at outside linebacker right away. King and Bynum could play inside or outside 'backer, though my guess is King will be on the outside with Bynum on the inside. The Vols will have to keep their fingers crossed that the linebackers stay healthy.

Daniel Gray (CB) is arguably the fastest newcomer on the team, and he may very well get the chance to help on special teams from day one. He is a developmental project at corner, but he is fast and aggressive as a gunner on kicks and punts. He was timed at a 4.32 forty at the Under Armour All-American camp, and that speed may be utilized on special teams from day one.

None of this is set in stone; this is simply my opinion based on some positions with questions where we brought in talented but raw prospects. I hope we can redshirt every guy on this list, but it doesn't seem realistic to believe we won't have to use any of them. I'm looking forward to 2012 and a Volunteer resurgence.

[44DivePlay]

Nice assessment and outlook. Hopefully they mostly add depth and change of pace for the most part and are not needed for every down until next year. It seems like one of those could be immediate impact though

[GoBigOrangeVols]

good write up. I always look for Bullock to contribute right away as a kickoff specialist.

[nagle]

good read, thanks..keep them coming.

[volfrk86]

I wouldn't forget about cody blanc. He had a strong showing in the spring game the coaches will find a way to use him probably to help in the punt return game and he will get his looks at wr too.

[UTGhostHunter]

Originally Posted by GoBigOrangeVols

good write up. I always look for Bullock to contribute right away as a kickoff specialist.

Yeah, I left Bullock off because I think most people expect something from him.

[UTGhostHunter]

Originally Posted by volfrk86

I wouldn't forget about cody blanc. He had a strong showing in the spring game the coaches will find a way to use him probably to help in the punt return game and he will get his looks at wr too.

I'm not sure if Blanc is ready to be much more than a member of the kick and punt teams, and I don't think he'll be used heavily in that capacity. He could surprise me though.

[TMatthews19]

Spot on with Drae. Good post.

[Nashvol2]

Nice read. It's good to get a refresher on some of the guys that are expected provide some depth of the next year or two.

[pualsline]

Solid post

[LotteryPick]

Bowles is still really fast and strong. I'm almost positive he's going to be a very, very good receiver.


And Latroy Lewis will surprise people. Perfect fit for the defense.

[Sith Vol]

I'd love to see Drae make a huge impact on special teams. We need it. He does seem to be moving under the radar this spring. Hope to see him be a pleasant surprise this fall on offense or ST.

[scvol@upstate]

Nice post, really good read :D

[WoodsmanVol]

UTGhostHunter, as usual you gave a very nice and I think truly analytical assessment. Enjoyed the read and hoping for the best for our Vols.

[justingroves]

I think Watson is Devrin Young made over (not a bad thing, just there's already a guy doing what Watson can do).

I think Gray is the only surefire lock to RS.