Things to keep an eye on the spring

[LittleVol]

We just finished 11-2 and have a lot of experience and talent coming back! 2023 can be 9-3 to 15-0 imo.
But...I want to spotlight something that can swing the pendulum more towards one way or the other.

- Running Back: with 900 yards and 11 Tds as a sophomore Jaylen Wright is RB1. It took him 18 months to catch and surpass Jabari Small (who is still a starting caliber RB). But now, he has to sit out the spring for his body to recover. Cool BUT....lol
You have a 6'2 220 lbs RB/WR Cameron Seldon that is for real 4.3 speed coming in while he's healing. Wright had a fumbling issue (wrist issue?). That got way better as the season went along. However, what DIDN'T get better is his effectiveness in catching passes out of the backfield. Is there any doubt Cam Seldon will NOT have that issue?? And we've all seen Dylan Sampson do pretty well there. Even lined up in the slot too. Oh and Sampson is that other guy eating all the carries this spring.
So Wright can go from being RB1 right now from a legit Running back competition with 5 guys this fall.
Or...
He can work his tail off to become a complete back after he heals. Observe Sampson and Seldon , and be humble and learn how they catch football so naturally. He wouldn't be the only veteran on the squad that has done that (more on that later)

- EDGE: Josephs and Pearce were both swimming as true freshman, but their talent is undeniable. Can they take the next step??
Well... right behind them are Caleb Herring 6'5 210 and Chandavian Bailey 6'4 225 coming in and both are just as explosive as the previous mentioned 2. How will they respond? My bet is that they take it to the next level. And give us a pass rush we've not had in a while!

- QB: Joe Milton has been here for 2 years. 3 years at Michigan before that. Beat out Hendon Hooker before the start of last season. He had moments of good play as a back up. Hendon made it impossible to get that job back. Cool... he knew still he had his one season (2023). Then comes Vandy game where he goes 1 of 8 on throws for 30 yards or more. SAME OL JOE. Right?? He truly did not have a good game in his 3 total starts until...the Orange Bowl. The Orange Bowl against a top 10 team with a top 10 defense. No Jalin Hyatt of Tillman. Yet he absolutely dominated. Not Bowling Green or Vandy. Clemson!
What CHANGED in his environment from the end of Vandy game to the Orange Bowl?
Answer: Nico Iamaleava. A 6'6 200 lbs athletic QB that was probably the best player in the class of 2023.
In my opinion. Joe had never competed with someone that was AS talented as him, much less that person be 4 years younger than him. It's a reality check! Joe is more talented physically than any QB he's ever competed with yet he would always lose his starting spot anyway. First McNamara at UM and then Hooker at UT.
As Joe has been taking him under his wing. I absolutely believe he has paid attention to Nico's also effortless throwing ability but also the touch that comes with it. Joe has had to humble himself these past 2 years because of watching someone he beat out...take that spot and never let it go. While also becoming brothers with that same player. He paid attention and internalized this experience from Hendon becoming a star...as he is now paying attention Nico while bringing Nico up to speed.
That QB we saw against Clemson can be the best QB in the SEC in 2023. And yes I think him seeing how good and WHY Nico is so good in that 3 weeks of practice has made Joe adapt his ways. Because Joe has the talent to adapt. He had 1 overthrow against Clemson. Now we have 8 month of interaction between Nico and Joe, and Tayven before 2023 season. Either Joe Milton explodes into a phenomenal QB or Nico will be the most ready freshman we've ever had start. Either way, we're still a SEC contender next year....

 

[VolFanNC09]

We just finished 11-2 and have a lot of experience and talent coming back! 2023 can be 9-3 to 15-0 imo.
But...I want to spotlight something that can swing the pendulum more towards one way or the other.

- Running Back: with 900 yards and 11 Tds as a sophomore Jaylen Wright is RB1. It took him 18 months to catch and surpass Jabari Small (who is still a starting caliber RB). But now, he has to sit out the spring for his body to recover. Cool BUT....lol
You have a 6'2 220 lbs RB/WR Cameron Seldon that is for real 4.3 speed coming in while he's healing. Wright had a fumbling issue (wrist issue?). That got way better as the season went along. However, what DIDN'T get better is his effectiveness in catching passes out of the backfield. Is there any doubt Cam Seldon will NOT have that issue?? And we've all seen Dylan Sampson do pretty well there. Even lined up in the slot too. Oh and Sampson is that other guy eating all the carries this spring.
So Wright can go from being RB1 right now from a legit Running back competition with 5 guys this fall.
Or...
He can work his tail off to become a complete back after he heals. Observe Sampson and Seldon , and be humble and learn how they catch football so naturally. He wouldn't be the only veteran on the squad that has done that (more on that later)

- EDGE: Josephs and Pearce were both swimming as true freshman, but their talent is undeniable. Can they take the next step??
Well... right behind them are Caleb Herring 6'5 210 and Chandavian Bailey 6'4 225 coming in and both are just as explosive as the previous mentioned 2. How will they respond? My bet is that they take it to the next level. And give us a pass rush we've not had in a while!

- QB: Joe Milton has been here for 2 years. 3 years at Michigan before that. Beat out Hendon Hooker before the start of last season. He had moments of good play as a back up. Hendon made it impossible to get that job back. Cool... he knew still he had his one season (2023). Then comes Vandy game where he goes 1 of 8 on throws for 30 yards or more. SAME OL JOE. Right?? He truly did not have a good game in his 3 total starts until...the Orange Bowl. The Orange Bowl against a top 10 team with a top 10 defense. No Jalin Hyatt of Tillman. Yet he absolutely dominated. Not Bowling Green or Vandy. Clemson!
What CHANGED in his environment from the end of Vandy game to the Orange Bowl?
Answer: Nico Iamaleava. A 6'6 200 lbs athletic QB that was probably the best player in the class of 2023.
In my opinion. Joe had never competed with someone that was AS talented as him, much less that person be 4 years younger than him. It's a reality check! Joe is more talented physically than any QB he's ever competed with yet he would always lose his starting spot anyway. First McNamara at UM and then Hooker at UT.
As Joe has been taking him under his wing. I absolutely believe he has paid attention to Nico's also effortless throwing ability but also the touch that comes with it. Joe has had to humble himself these past 2 years because of watching someone he beat out...take that spot and never let it go. While also becoming brothers with that same player. He paid attention and internalized this experience from Hendon becoming a star...as he is now paying attention Nico while bringing Nico up to speed.
That QB we saw against Clemson can be the best QB in the SEC in 2023. And yes I think him seeing how good and WHY Nico is so good in that 3 weeks of practice has made Joe adapt his ways. Because Joe has the talent to adapt. He had 1 overthrow against Clemson. Now we have 8 month of interaction between Nico and Joe, and Tayven before 2023 season. Either Joe Milton explodes into a phenomenal QB or Nico will be the most ready freshman we've ever had start. Either way, we're still a SEC contender next year....

All good points, the only thing that I am concerned about next year is who are our starting CB's and Safeties. I think Milton is QB1 going into our first 2 games at least. We have 3 good RBs and Seldon will be used in multiple ways. DL and LB are pretty set barring injuries. WRs are as well.

 

[VOLfrombama]

I am curious about the OL. Who takes Carvin's place? Dayne Davis or maybe Addison Nichols? Does Ollie Lane still have eligibility?

I assume the starting lineup is: Mincey, Davis/Nichols, Mays, Spraggins, and Crawford

Who gets in the rotation? Addison Nichols is my pick for 6th man up. Who is #7, #8?

Who is the backup Center? Nichols maybe? Jackson Lampley? Was Lampley really that fragile or was Heup pulling a Lame Kiffin and having him go down every other extra point to buy the D some more rest?

 

[OffTackleVol]

We just finished 11-2 and have a lot of experience and talent coming back! 2023 can be 9-3 to 15-0 imo.
But...I want to spotlight something that can swing the pendulum more towards one way or the other.

- Running Back: with 900 yards and 11 Tds as a sophomore Jaylen Wright is RB1. It took him 18 months to catch and surpass Jabari Small (who is still a starting caliber RB). But now, he has to sit out the spring for his body to recover. Cool BUT....lol
You have a 6'2 220 lbs RB/WR Cameron Seldon that is for real 4.3 speed coming in while he's healing. Wright had a fumbling issue (wrist issue?). That got way better as the season went along. However, what DIDN'T get better is his effectiveness in catching passes out of the backfield. Is there any doubt Cam Seldon will NOT have that issue?? And we've all seen Dylan Sampson do pretty well there. Even lined up in the slot too. Oh and Sampson is that other guy eating all the carries this spring.
So Wright can go from being RB1 right now from a legit Running back competition with 5 guys this fall.
Or...
He can work his tail off to become a complete back after he heals. Observe Sampson and Seldon , and be humble and learn how they catch football so naturally. He wouldn't be the only veteran on the squad that has done that (more on that later)

- EDGE: Josephs and Pearce were both swimming as true freshman, but their talent is undeniable. Can they take the next step??
Well... right behind them are Caleb Herring 6'5 210 and Chandavian Bailey 6'4 225 coming in and both are just as explosive as the previous mentioned 2. How will they respond? My bet is that they take it to the next level. And give us a pass rush we've not had in a while!

- QB: Joe Milton has been here for 2 years. 3 years at Michigan before that. Beat out Hendon Hooker before the start of last season. He had moments of good play as a back up. Hendon made it impossible to get that job back. Cool... he knew still he had his one season (2023). Then comes Vandy game where he goes 1 of 8 on throws for 30 yards or more. SAME OL JOE. Right?? He truly did not have a good game in his 3 total starts until...the Orange Bowl. The Orange Bowl against a top 10 team with a top 10 defense. No Jalin Hyatt of Tillman. Yet he absolutely dominated. Not Bowling Green or Vandy. Clemson!
What CHANGED in his environment from the end of Vandy game to the Orange Bowl?
Answer: Nico Iamaleava. A 6'6 200 lbs athletic QB that was probably the best player in the class of 2023.
In my opinion. Joe had never competed with someone that was AS talented as him, much less that person be 4 years younger than him. It's a reality check! Joe is more talented physically than any QB he's ever competed with yet he would always lose his starting spot anyway. First McNamara at UM and then Hooker at UT.
As Joe has been taking him under his wing. I absolutely believe he has paid attention to Nico's also effortless throwing ability but also the touch that comes with it. Joe has had to humble himself these past 2 years because of watching someone he beat out...take that spot and never let it go. While also becoming brothers with that same player. He paid attention and internalized this experience from Hendon becoming a star...as he is now paying attention Nico while bringing Nico up to speed.
That QB we saw against Clemson can be the best QB in the SEC in 2023. And yes I think him seeing how good and WHY Nico is so good in that 3 weeks of practice has made Joe adapt his ways. Because Joe has the talent to adapt. He had 1 overthrow against Clemson. Now we have 8 month of interaction between Nico and Joe, and Tayven before 2023 season. Either Joe Milton explodes into a phenomenal QB or Nico will be the most ready freshman we've ever had start. Either way, we're still a SEC contender next year....

Thanks for the write up. Outside of Nico, Seldon may be the jewell of the class. 6'2", 220 pound slot receiver that runs a legit 4.3. I've read somewhere that he benches 370 pound...............wow!

 

[Jauan't Some?]

Was Lampley really that fragile or was Heup pulling a Lame Kiffin and having him go down every other extra point to buy the D some more rest?

The extra point injuries are definitely fake. They've been doing that strategically going back to the Ole Miss game last year.

 

[peaygolf]

Thanks for the write up. Outside of Nico, Seldon may be the jewell of the class. 6'2", 220 pound slot receiver that runs a legit 4.3. I've read somewhere that he benches 370 pound...............wow!

Seldon will be the best player from this class!

 

[Golfprovol]

He truly did not have a good game in his 3 total starts until

Are you smokin' crack? At Vandy, in pouring rain, his offense score 50+ points. His numbers are on the same level as Hookers. He isnt as flashy, maybe that is what you want, but to say he didnt have a good game is insane. It kinda shows your desire for Nico to start which isnt gonna happen.

Allow the true freshman to learn for a season. Everyone saw what a true freahman QB again a SEC defense, not a great one at that, looks like during the Clemson game.

 

[onevol74]

Nico will not be starting in big SEC games unless you consider just how Clemson performed in the Orange Bowl with a freshman Quarterback. SEC defensive coordinators feast on fresh meat. He might be a great talent but he does not have the repetitions or experience to make it as a freshmen.

 

[VolBricks]

Milton QB1 (Not sure who QB2 is. I think it may be Nico as I expect Tayven Jackson to transfer).
Sampson/Wright RB1/2 (I like Small but he is a step slow).
Bru WR1
Keyton Wr2
Squirrel/Seldon Slot1/2 ( I just think that Huepel wants the best players on the field and Seldon will be one of the best, it might take him a few games to get going like it did Squirrel this year).

As for Defense the DL is good unless we have mass transfers
LB needs at least one more transfer portal guy
I have no idea what/who will be starting at DB in 2023

 

[Special Ed]

Eye on a spring:

 

[Delmar]

On the RB’s you also have to take pass blocking into account. Thought I read that was what was keeping Wright from starting. DB’s- Who knows. All I know is we need help there.

 

[youcancallmeAl]

We don't really know the roster yet, because the portal will swing open a couple of times before the team gets down to business in August. We all know what the positions of need are, like CB, and the uncertain positions, like QB.

We know we have enough quality players on the DL, even if we don't have a great one there. Out of the four edge rushers mentioned, I would expect at least one to be a good one. There are good candidates on the team now for LB, and a nice addition coming in from the portal there. There are at least a couple of names on the squad for DB and Safety, but maybe not enough that we need to add through the portal.

QB is an open question now, and we know there will be competition. I think the staff must really like Jackson, because he hasn't left yet. If they thought Milton was definitely the answer they probably would have told Jackson that and he would be gone by now. But he's still here to battle it out in the spring. TE is a position of need. We should be OK with what we already have with RB and WR. And, for the most part, the OL is set, but still need a LT and some more depth there.

Gonna be interesting to see how the new team gets built.

 

[Golfprovol]

QB is an open question now, and we know there will be competition. I think the staff must really like Jackson, because he hasn't left yet. If they thought Milton was definitely the answer they probably would have told Jackson that and he would be gone by now.

Sorry to say but this couldn't be further from accurate. How did a true freshman back up QB work out for Clemson.

Jackson is QB2. Milton is QB1. Watch the Crompton video that was posted a couple days ago and he explains it perfectly. Having a backup who has been in the system is how it needs to be, why would tell him to leave?

Allow true freshmen to learn the system before you get his confidence destroyed by SEC defenses.

If your position was accurate then Milton would have left before this year started because he knew he wasnt QB1.

 

[OrangeTsar]

Difference in Milton between Vandy and Clemson wasn’t competition from Nico. It was weather. People really think rain had no impact on passing accuracy over 30 to 40 yards???? Not to mention footing for the receivers trying to make cuts or get that quick first step?????

 

[LAVol1]

All good points, the only thing that I am concerned about next year is who are our starting CB's and Safeties. I think Milton is QB1 going into our first 2 games at least. We have 3 good RBs and Seldon will be used in multiple ways. DL and LB are pretty set barring injuries. WRs are as well.

Lose our top 2 TE, DE, WR, our best OT and one of our top 6 OL. Desperately need upgrades in the secondary. Does anyone think Martinez can coach up incoming freshmen and improve the returning secondary? The only DB I saw that consistently looked for the ball when it was in the air was Slaughter, who I thought was by far our best DB. If the pass rush does not materialize as we hope, it looks like the secondary will still be a huge liability for the Vols in '23. Key games: AT FL, AT Bama, AT Mizzou, UGA at home, TA&M at home, SC at home. We should win 4 of those. Probably 7+pt. underdogs vs. Bama and UGA. We'll most likely be 9-3 next season, with an outside shot at 11-1. Note:
Vols Clemson
First Downs: 21 34
Total Yds 375 484
Passing 251 320

Vols had the best QB, best WR's, best OL.

 

[sjt18]

That would make UT close to a normal RB room with competition. Good sign to have 4 or 5 or even 6 guys who can play.

The edge looks good. The front looks good.

Your theory on Nico is "interesting"... but not likely. Milton just stuck with the Vols as he developed. He played behind Hooker knowing he was capable and preparing for his day. Does he have "it"? I'm still not completely sure. But Nico has very little to do with where Milton is as a player or why he played reasonably well in the bowl game. Milton has been working to improve on the weaknesses that cost him his job since he lost it. It should be no surprise that a talented, intelligent, good character guy playing behind Hooker and for Heupel would make some significant strides.

 

[LittleVol]

Are you smokin' crack? At Vandy, in pouring rain, his offense score 50+ points. His numbers are on the same level as Hookers. He isnt as flashy, maybe that is what you want, but to say he didnt have a good game is insane. It kinda shows your desire for Nico to start which isnt gonna happen.

Allow the true freshman to learn for a season. Everyone saw what a true freahman QB again a SEC defense, not a great one at that, looks like during the Clemson game.

Wtf are you talking about???
It's facts not insanity lol.

Look at his stats and competition from those 3 starts before Clemson.

Taking away from his stuggles BY NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THEM, is not fair to HIS GROWTH.

 

[youcancallmeAl]

Sorry to say but this couldn't be further from accurate. How did a true freshman back up QB work out for Clemson.

Jackson is QB2. Milton is QB1. Watch the Crompton video that was posted a couple days ago and he explains it perfectly. Having a backup who has been in the system is how it needs to be, why would tell him to leave?

Allow true freshmen to learn the system before you get his confidence destroyed by SEC defenses.

If your position was accurate then Milton would have left before this year started because he knew he wasnt QB1.

I agree Milton is 1, Jackson is 2, and Nico is 3. And I think it will stay that way, but Jackson will get a real, legit chance to win the job in the spring and/or fall. We don't disagree.

 

[LittleVol]

That would make UT close to a normal RB room with competition. Good sign to have 4 or 5 or even 6 guys who can play.

The edge looks good. The front looks good.

Your theory on Nico is "interesting"... but not likely. Milton just stuck with the Vols as he developed. He played behind Hooker knowing he was capable and preparing for his day. Does he have "it"? I'm still not completely sure. But Nico has very little to do with where Milton is as a player or why he played reasonably well in the bowl game. Milton has been working to improve on the weaknesses that cost him his job since he lost it. It should be no surprise that a talented, intelligent, good character guy playing behind Hooker and for Heupel would make some significant strides.

It's all a theory, right?
But there's a stark contrast to what he did statistically against a top 10 defense
(maybe top 20 with their opt outs?)
and what he had been doing as a starter.

It's mostly evidence by his deep ball. He showed a touch consistently that he had never shown before.
Hurt against Pitt but he was 0-5 for 30 yard passes before that..
BG he was 1-6.
Vandy 1-8.

One thing Nico needs ZERO coaching in is how delivers his deep ball. It's always in stide in the bread basket. No high pointing or diving for it.

Yes everything you said is also true, BUT form personal experience I've seen what im suggesting. Drew Brees and Phillip Rivers is another example.

You can believe it or not, but everyone saw a different QB against Clemson. And Nico being added to the team is the one major change to his environment. It's at a possibility at the very least

 

[LittleVol]

Difference in Milton between Vandy and Clemson wasn’t competition from Nico. It was weather. People really think rain had no impact on passing accuracy over 30 to 40 yards???? Not to mention footing for the receivers trying to make cuts or get that quick first step?????

That could be a valid argument HAD HE NOT SHOWN THE SAME OUTPUT MANY TIMES BEFORE Vandy. Here and Michigan.

It is what it is.

So a super accurate and mature QB that is just as talented as him couldn't make him a better QB?
What the hell is a "QB competition " for then Haha??? That's literally the point of it.

 

[GVF]

Current and incoming QB's need to mature up and stawy out of the portal and be patient. This new system did what for Hooker in 2 seasons? I think Milton understood that. Work hard, learn the system, take your turn. If you get beat out, stay in the system. A fresh QB can learn alot from the Hooker/Milton scenario these last two seasons. Jackson appears to be following the lead so far. And Nico very well may beat him out when Milton finishes up. But, that next play might put you right back in.

 

[LadyVolette]

The extra point injuries are definitely fake. They've been doing that strategically going back to the Ole Miss game last year.

well, if they are going to let other teams do it, why not?

 

[LittleVol]

We don't really know the roster yet, because the portal will swing open a couple of times before the team gets down to business in August. We all know what the positions of need are, like CB, and the uncertain positions, like QB.

We know we have enough quality players on the DL, even if we don't have a great one there. Out of the four edge rushers mentioned, I would expect at least one to be a good one. There are good candidates on the team now for LB, and a nice addition coming in from the portal there. There are at least a couple of names on the squad for DB and Safety, but maybe not enough that we need to add through the portal.

QB is an open question now, and we know there will be competition. I think the staff must really like Jackson, because he hasn't left yet. If they thought Milton was definitely the answer they probably would have told Jackson that and he would be gone by now. But he's still here to battle it out in the spring. TE is a position of need. We should be OK with what we already have with RB and WR. And, for the most part, the OL is set, but still need a LT and some more depth there.

Gonna be interesting to see how the new team gets built.

People think I'm snubbing Jackson.
Maybe I am...?

I guess I am lol. Jackson is a really talented guy. With Heupel he can become a really good QB. Nico is the best prospect we've ever recruited maybe period. Apologies for the early hyperbole. Nico is really eeally really good.

That QB we saw against Clemson was not a "caretaker " or "facilitator " QB.
Joe Milton went from a bust QB to a very solid Boom. Not average. He threw 3 Tds against a top 10 defense MINUS 2 future NFL Wrs....no turnovers. He ran the ball some- 2 First downs i think.

So as of right now Jackson being 3 isn't an indictment to his ability. And he will be 3.

 

[LittleVol]

Current and incoming QB's need to mature up and stawy out of the portal and be patient. This new system did what for Hooker in 2 seasons? I think Milton understood that. Work hard, learn the system, take your turn. If you get beat out, stay in the system. A fresh QB can learn alot from the Hooker/Milton scenario these last two seasons. Jackson appears to be following the lead so far. And Nico very well may beat him out when Milton finishes up. But, that next play might put you right back in.

It takes a lot of maturity to accept that kind of lesson.

And it's showing in his play.

He really does have the ability to surpass the stats Hooker averaged over his two seasons.

 

[GVF]

It takes a lot of maturity to accept that kind of lesson.

And it's showing in his play.

He really does have the ability to surpass the stats Hooker averaged over his two seasons.

Biggest difference I saw in Milton after Hooker was his willingness to lower his shoulder on a run and deliver a blow verses scampering out of bounds. Saw it a couple of times in the Clemson game. That takes a complete mindset shift.