247: Vols' projected depth chart next season

[bpalmer28]

WR will be good but middle road SEC, not the aggressive types that can own the ball & be QB best friend
think RB will be split carries between 3 RB's no real starter.
Everything else looks very good even ST , think we will be breaking in new long snapper.
Most experienced QB in SEC besides kellen mond

I think the difference between 8 wins and maybe as much as 10 wins hinges on the production we get from incoming freshmen WRs. To beat the top 4 teams in our schedule I think we need someone like Hyatt or Calloway to be impactful

 

[Ned Ray McWorkher]

Weakest link to me are the OLBs. Would like to have better athletes at that pass rushing position with greater length and size.

Titans, or Vols?

 

[Billy Ratliff]

Troll.

Jarette is horrible. Terrible. No one wants him. The fans are sick of seeing him screw up games.

He needs to go to Rutgers where he will...well, he will still suck, but the fans won't notice it as much.

It only matters if Pruitt wants him, which he does, so you’re stuck here bashing a VFL on the chitchat board while “Jarette” is still suiting up for the mighty Volunteers. Sorry Doyle.

 

[Billy Ratliff]

I think the difference between 8 wins and maybe as much as 10 wins hinges on the production we get from incoming freshmen WRs. To beat the top 4 teams in our schedule I think we need someone like Hyatt or Calloway to be impactful

???

WR is not nearly the top concern and we have two very good Seniors, plus Velus Jones Keyton, Tillman and Gibbs before we even get to a true Fr. The days of constantly needing the next Fr to hit campus and plug a roster hole are over.

QB, OLB, and S....

 

[GetYouSomeofThat]

Do any of you pedophiles have a reasonable explanation for why you aren't in jail yet? When you use the word "hater"... you're being no more truthful than I am using "pedophile".



Essentially the answer is that they didn't have a "best option". They tried Maurer and after exciting the coaches briefly he got hurt. Shrout for whatever reason hasn't developed as a manager of the O and doesn't really give you much more in the passing game than JG.

JG was the "best" by default... not because he's good.

And due pretty much to experience alone, he was better at managing the run game. That's a big factor and was key to Pruitt's decision when considering Shrout briefly.


He has strengths. I criticized his avoidance of the middle of the field over the off-season. He improved by leaps and bounds on the longer developing plays to the middle of the field. He still doesn't throw quickly to the middle often or well. But he made some very good plays this year he had not previously made... wouldn't even try them before.

But... he has a fatal weakness. He processes too slow. He also does not anticipate throws. That appears to be an innate weakness. It has and does manifest itself in late throws, underthrown balls, defenders closing on open targets, difficulty hitting hot routes, taking sacks, missing targets downfield, "checking down" because coverage closes, etc. It has always been a problem. I hoped after the 3 good performances at the end of the year he was overcoming some of those issues. Vandy caused concern. IU destroyed that hope.

It is time to cut bait and move on.

You lost me completely with your analogy. It makes zero sense.


Your post states the he was the best option and at this point there is no proof that anyone better has come along....and you want him to leave?


And your answer did not address why the coaches would leave a better option on the bench while playing JG. The truth is, they wouldn't.


So while JG is limited for now he is the best on the roster that any of us have seen in a SEC game.

With regard to slow processing; 2 years with the same play caller should improve that issue. It may not but i would be willing to let him prove me wrong.

 

[GetYouSomeofThat]

I’m fairly confident that Bailey and Maurer would lead the offense to more points scored than JG. In The best game of JG’s career we only scored 24 points.

Im certain the coaching staff will take note of your confidence and proceed accordingly.

 

[ABINGDON VOL FAN]

Im certain the coaching staff will take note of your confidence and proceed accordingly.

It is quite obvious and I’m sure they wilL reach the same conclusion.

 

[bpalmer28]

Weakest link to me are the OLBs. Would like to have better athletes at that pass rushing position with greater length and size.

Agreed. Hopefully Roman Harrison can continue to develop and provide an upgrade. I haven’t been one to expect much from JJ Petersen since he came in late and out of shape, but there’s at least some potential there as well. Hopefully those guys work their tail off during the off-season.

 

[GetYouSomeofThat]

It is quite obvious and I’m sure they wilL reach the same conclusion.

So without ever seeing HB take a snap at the college level it is obvious to you he has the abiltiy to lead an offense in the SEC..cool.

Personally i hope HB is all that folks claim he is. It would be fantastic to have a first round NFL type QB under center. However even if he is im never gonna bash JG for his shortcomings. He has given his all on the field for the Volunteers and what more can one ask of an athlete?

 

[k-town_king]

It is quite obvious and I’m sure they wilL reach the same conclusion.

Just like last year, huh?

 

[BeardedVol]

Just like last year, huh?

You mean like when JG stunk it up for 4 games and Pruitt finally started Maurer for the Georgia game and the Mississippi State games?

Hopefully it doesn't take him 4 games in 2020 to realize that JG is still on the same mental plateau from 2018.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

And my response is if you don't want to discuss it then DON'T. Your attempt to cut off debate and dictate that other can't respond to the BS posted by JG apologists is just as offensive to some of us as the "bashing" is to you.


If valid, objective criticism is "bashing" or "trashing" then so be it. I'll make you a deal. If his apologists don't post a bunch of BS spin then you won't have to worry about me bringing up the truth about his performance any more. Deal?

The key word is "Objective"and there is where the questions to your posts originate.

 

[k-town_king]

You mean like when JG stunk it up for 4 games and Pruitt finally started Maurer for the Georgia game and the Mississippi State games?

Hopefully it doesn't take him 4 games in 2020 to realize that JG is still on the same mental plateau from 2018.

We lost UGA and JG won the MSU game. I fail to see a point. He didn't stink it up. Just was average. We were were looking for great, which we didn't find.

We all know he was up and down too much last year. Hopefully with the same oc coming back for the first time he can be be more consistent and have a breakout year.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

I'd change:

QB: Harrison Bailey
WR: DeAngelo Gibbs for Brandon Johnson
OLB: Roman Harrison for Deandre Johnson

I agree that Crouch ends up inside next to To'oto'o.

To me, it depends on who starts in te opening game vs who starts in mid October. I think Jg starts in September bur HB strarts in Mid )ctober or before. I agree with Gibbs and see both Harrison and Johnson battling it out all season.

 

[sjt18]

The key word is "Objective"and there is where the questions to your posts originate.

Then by all means prove that they aren't.

I have praised JG for some of the attributes he has. I have praised JG specifically for his improved use of the middle of the field. I have criticized things he does poorly not out of any "hate" whatsoever... but simply because it holds him and especially the team back.

He improved his recognition and adjustments in the run game a lot. That was probably the key thing that kept getting him back on the field. The other two weren't close to him in management of the run game.

But he STILL has a fatal flaw. I hoped that Mizzou, UK , and USCe were signs that he was overcoming it. Then he flopped vs Vandy and IU.

He processes too slow and does not anticipate throws well for someone at his stage of development... and not well enough for UT to beat the better teams on their schedule with him at QB. The evidence for these two things is overwhelming and undeniable to anyone who is willing to look.

 

[BeardedVol]

We lost UGA and JG won the MSU game. I fail to see a point. He didn't stink it up. Just was average. We were were looking for great, which we didn't find.

We all know he was up and down too much last year. Hopefully with the same oc coming back for the first time he can be be more consistent and have a breakout year.

Remind me, who started those games, and played until they were concussed?

I know it doesn't fit your agenda-driven narrative, but you can't rewrite history.

 

[KBVol]

I agree he outplayed, that doesn't mean he was good though. That's just the honest truth, no bashing. My hope is he develops into something we didn't see last season or we have someone on the roster who out performs. It would be a shame for this OL not to have a QB that compliments them.

Agree with all this.

I would also add that the game opportunities given to the QBs weren’t remotely equivalent. I surely understand that you earn your playing time with how you practice, and by most accounts, Guarantano, as a 4th year player competing with 1st and 2nd year players, was better in practice.

However, when we got to gameday, Guarantano couldn’t make his play in practice translate to the field, he was just awful most of the year. Yet, his leash in games was a country mile long.....whereas the leashes of both Maurer and Shrout were about an inch and half. JP more than once cited turnovers and throwing into coverage as reasons for pulling both Maurer and Shrout, even though neither actually had turnovers at the time when Guarantano actually did....and Guarantano surely threw into coverage as many times as either of those 2.

So, hopefully both QBs and Bailey are given a legitimate shot, are participating in a fair, legitimate competition this spring and fall. We desperately need a competent, play making QB next season, a guy who can maximize the advantages we should have at the line of scrimmage....we have a huge sample size from Guarantano, and it’s clear he just can’t be that guy.

 

[sjt18]

You lost me completely with your analogy. It makes zero sense.

Sort of along the lines of "When did you stop beating your wife?"

You said that I "hated" JG. That is just as false as you being a pedophile (hopefully). I am critical of him because he has weaknesses that hurt the team and have now for 3 years. Others have weaknesses but few if any have had the impact of his.

Your post states the he was the best option and at this point there is no proof that anyone better has come along....and you want him to leave?

You may be confusing me with someone else. I am neutral on whether he stays or leaves. If someone else emerges in the Spring then I believe it could be in his best interest to leave. I thought before he had those few good games that a new start could help him.

For that matter if Maurer isn't competing seriously for the starting job by the end of camp then he should leave. I think Shrout should be doing everything he can to graduate early so he can find a new opportunity. I don't think he ever starts at UT barring injury. UT has depth. There will be two or 3 guys who come out of camp with a shot to start. I wouldn't blame any of the rest for considering options. If JG isn't the starter then I think it would be wise for him to find a place he can start.

And your answer did not address why the coaches would leave a better option on the bench while playing JG. The truth is, they wouldn't.

Did you actually read my response? This makes it seem like you didn't. There were times that JG was the best available option... though still not a good option. They benched JG for Maurer despite Maurer not being ready. That's a pretty strong statement. His injury threw JG back into the primary role. He showed some improvement.

Frankly, Maurer didn't play the same after coming back in the UK game. He looked tentative. He made some really bad decisions at various times. He has a long way to go... but the coaches were ready to go with him because of how bad JG was.

So while JG is limited for now he is the best on the roster that any of us have seen in a SEC game.

Maurer played the best half as a QB of anyone since Dobbs graduated against UGA. But he isn't consistent enough and does not manage the run game as well as JG. "Best" is relative. If you are trying to manage games then he was better than the other two. If you want plays made in the passing game consistently then not so much.

With regard to slow processing; 2 years with the same play caller should improve that issue. It may not but i would be willing to let him prove me wrong.

That's an innate talent like being able to throw a 70 yard spiral or court awareness in basketball. A RS Jr simply should not be late like JG was vs IU on those first two red zone series. He does not visualize.

I was happy and said so when it looked like he was turning it around. Still cautious but hopeful. The last two games have pretty much killed that hope. I think he's capable of looking good in some games but is almost certain to hurt the team in others.

 

[k-town_king]

Remind me, who started those games, and played until they were concussed?

I know it doesn't fit your agenda-driven narrative, but you can't rewrite history.

Who cares who started.

We lost the one game Maurer played 90% of.

We won the game JG played 90% of. We won despite two red zone interceptions from BM before he was pulled.

 

[sjt18]

JG won the MSU game.

No he didn't. He inherited a lead with Maurer making mistakes but also driving the O up and down the field at will. UT had 11 drives for 367 yds. Maurer led only 4 of the drives but produced over half of the yardage.

JG managed the game and did a good job in the run game but he did not "win" the game. His TD pass was a throw that a walk-on scout team QB could have made. It was nothing more than a long hand off.

The defense won the game. They prevented Maurer's mistakes from losing the game for them... and JG's general ineffectiveness at anything other than handing the ball off. They only let him throw 7 safe passes because they didn't trust him to throw the passes Maurer was hurting MSU with.

 

[k-town_king]

No he didn't. He inherited a lead with Maurer making mistakes but also driving the O up and down the field at will. UT had 11 drives for 367 yds. Maurer led only 4 of the drives but produced over half of the yardage.

JG managed the game and did a good job in the run game but he did not "win" the game. His TD pass was a throw that a walk-on scout team QB could have made. It was nothing more than a long hand off.

The defense won the game. They prevented Maurer's mistakes from losing the game for them... and JG's general ineffectiveness at anything other than handing the ball off. They only let him throw 7 safe passes because they didn't trust him to throw the passes Maurer was hurting MSU with.

He overcame two redzone interceptions by Brian maurer to win the game. That is a fact.

 

[sjt18]

Who cares who started.

We lost the one game Maurer played 90% of.

We won the game JG played 90% of. We won despite two red zone interceptions from BM before he was pulled.

Which game did Maurer play 90% of?

Talk about dishonesty... Maurer wasn't "pulled". He was INJURED. You can't even be honest about something as simple as that.

 

[k-town_king]

Which game did Maurer play 90% of?

Talk about dishonesty... Maurer wasn't "pulled". He was INJURED. You can't even be honest about something as simple as that.

UGA, Jg had literally one series when the game was already over.

I knew you didn't watch the games. Things are finally making sense. No one could actually watch the games and think how you do.

 

[BeardedVol]

Who cares who started.

We lost the one game Maurer played 90% of.

We won the game JG played 90% of. We won despite two red zone interceptions from BM before he was pulled.

Because "who started" speaks to who Pruitt determined gave us the best chance to be successful in those games; you just don't care in this instance because it wasn't JG.

You've stated time and again that you don't believe that "wins" are a QB stat, so why are you trying to do so now?

 

[k-town_king]

Because "who started" speaks to who Pruitt determined gave us the best chance to be successful in those games; you just don't care in this instance because it wasn't JG.

You've stated time and again that you don't believe that "wins" are a QB stat, so why are you trying to do so now?

Pruitt did start who he thought was the best for that situation. We still were blown out by UGA. JG had a higher qbr that game. BM was bad beyond the first quarter.


MSu he tried BM. He was ineffective on top of getting injured. JG came in and saved us from the turnovers BM had.


Wins are not a qb stat. We can acknowledge what qb actually had a hand in winning vs who played bad or not much. JG contributed to those wins. He wasn't the sole reason. BM did not contribute to our winning streak much. JG did.