Tennessee had one preseason All-American, seven preseason All-SEC players, several other accolades and a preseason top-25 ranking in Athlons annual preseason publication.
Athlon joins Lindys (No. 17) and The Sporting News (No. 22) as preseason publications listing the Vols in their top-25 polls.
Sophomore defensive Derek Barnett, coming off one of the most prolific seasons for a freshman in program history, was named a second-team preseason All-American in Athlon, and more than a half-dozen other Vols were placed on the preseason All-SEC team.
Barnett was named preseason first-team All-SEC, Junior cornerback Cameron Sutton, senior safety Brian Randolph, sophomore running back Jalen Hurd and senior linebacker and defensive end Curt Maggitt were named preseason second-team All-SEC and junior quarterback Joshua Dobbs and junior wide receiver Marquez North were named preseason third-team All-SEC.
Hurd was also named the nations No. 19 preseason Heisman candidate, and running back Alvin Kamara (No. 2) and cornerback Justin Martin (No. 11) were named among the nations top incoming junior college transfers.
Kamara, who spent last season at powerhouse Hutchinson Community College in Kansas after redshirting as a freshman at Alabama in the 2013 season, also was singled out as a Rising Star by Athlon.
Tennessees backfield duo of Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara should be as exciting to watch as any, Athlons report stated.
Athlon also expects Tennessee to be competitive nationally in the 2015 season. The Vols were given a No. 22 preseason ranking (and No. 2 in the SEC Eastern Division) by Athlon, but the preseason publication also stated clearly that more talent will mean more pressure for third-year Tennessee coach Butch Jones.
Tennessees dismantling of Iowa in last years TaxSlayer Bowl guaranteed that excitement in Knoxville would reach a fever pitch by this seasons opener, Athlons report stated. With the suddenly high expectations for the Vols comes pressure for Butch Jones for the first time in his Tennessee career. Theres talent at the skill positions, but enough to win the SEC East?
Jones probably has another year before fans grow restless, but if the Vols dont win the division, theyll need to at least come very close.
Athlon high on 2015 Vols[/COLOR]
Athlon joins Lindys (No. 17) and The Sporting News (No. 22) as preseason publications listing the Vols in their top-25 polls.
Sophomore defensive Derek Barnett, coming off one of the most prolific seasons for a freshman in program history, was named a second-team preseason All-American in Athlon, and more than a half-dozen other Vols were placed on the preseason All-SEC team.
Barnett was named preseason first-team All-SEC, Junior cornerback Cameron Sutton, senior safety Brian Randolph, sophomore running back Jalen Hurd and senior linebacker and defensive end Curt Maggitt were named preseason second-team All-SEC and junior quarterback Joshua Dobbs and junior wide receiver Marquez North were named preseason third-team All-SEC.
Hurd was also named the nations No. 19 preseason Heisman candidate, and running back Alvin Kamara (No. 2) and cornerback Justin Martin (No. 11) were named among the nations top incoming junior college transfers.
Kamara, who spent last season at powerhouse Hutchinson Community College in Kansas after redshirting as a freshman at Alabama in the 2013 season, also was singled out as a Rising Star by Athlon.
Tennessees backfield duo of Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara should be as exciting to watch as any, Athlons report stated.
Athlon also expects Tennessee to be competitive nationally in the 2015 season. The Vols were given a No. 22 preseason ranking (and No. 2 in the SEC Eastern Division) by Athlon, but the preseason publication also stated clearly that more talent will mean more pressure for third-year Tennessee coach Butch Jones.
Tennessees dismantling of Iowa in last years TaxSlayer Bowl guaranteed that excitement in Knoxville would reach a fever pitch by this seasons opener, Athlons report stated. With the suddenly high expectations for the Vols comes pressure for Butch Jones for the first time in his Tennessee career. Theres talent at the skill positions, but enough to win the SEC East?
Jones probably has another year before fans grow restless, but if the Vols dont win the division, theyll need to at least come very close.
Athlon high on 2015 Vols[/COLOR]
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