2016-2017 comparison by position...

[MrVolton]

QB - Downgrade. There'll be no way to replace Dobbs's leadership, experience, and perhaps his legs at the position. However, if Guarantano lives up to hype, it could be more than enough to win.

OL - Should be a big upgrade. Everyone returns after a year of having some actual S&C. And surely Wells cannot do worse than Mahoney.

RB - Slighter downgrade than many think. We will miss Kamara, but he was underutilized at times last year. Hurd's heart obviously wasn't in it, and it showed on the field. Kelly stepped up and showed that he has the potential to be a star. Surely either Feels-Amy or Chandler can prove to be a capable back up.

TE - Push at least. We'll miss Croom, but everyone else is back. It also seems that TE will play a bigger role under Scott based on everything that I've read about it.

WR - Slight downgrade. We'll miss Malone for sure, but we've still got Jennings and Byrd. Jennings has got that dawg in him and Byrd has the speed to be that deep threat we'll be losing in Malone. Calloway, Johnson, and a healthy Smith are all nice options as well.

DL - Push, surprisingly. You cannot replace a generational beast like Barnett, and depth takes a hit with the losses of Vereen and Lewis. However, every other spot should be an upgrade. The same thing I said about S&C in regards to OL applies here. And keeping Stripling around while adding Hoke has been one of Jones's biggest power moves to date, IMO.

LB - Should be an upgrade. JRM was a non-factor last year and surely lightening won't strike again at this position in regards to injuries. A healthy Kirkland and Sapp with another year under Shoop could be fun to watch.

DB - Better be a big upgrade, because the performance over the last few years is nowhere near what the standard for acceptable DB play should be at UT. Surely Warren couldn't possibly do a worse job than Martinez, could he? Sutton is the only loss and he was really only a factor in 2 or 3 games last year.

ST - If Evan Berry can return 100%, it's at least a push. Kicker and punter both return, and Byrd is skilled enough to be a more than adequate replacement for Sutton and Kamara at PR.

I think it's reasonable to expect our Vols to at least match their record from last year.

 

[Biopsyman]

QB - Downgrade. There'll be no way to replace Dobbs's leadership, experience, and perhaps his legs at the position. However, if Guarantano lives up to hype, it could be more than enough to win.

OL - Should be a big upgrade. Everyone returns after a year of having some actual S&C. And surely Wells cannot do worse than Mahoney.

RB - Slighter downgrade than many think. We will miss Kamara, but he was underutilized at times last year. Hurd's heart obviously wasn't in it, and it showed on the field. Kelly stepped up and showed that he has the potential to be a star. Surely either Feels-Amy or Chandler can prove to be a capable back up.

TE - Push at least. We'll miss Croom, but everyone else is back. It also seems that TE will play a bigger role under Scott based on everything that I've read about it.

WR - Slight downgrade. We'll miss Malone for sure, but we've still got Jennings and Byrd. Jennings has got that dawg in him and Byrd has the speed to be that deep threat we'll be losing in Malone. Calloway, Johnson, and a healthy Smith are all nice options as well.

DL - Push, surprisingly. You cannot replace a generational beast like Barnett, and depth takes a hit with the losses of Vereen and Lewis. However, every other spot should be an upgrade. The same thing I said about S&C in regards to OL applies here. And keeping Stripling around while adding Hoke was one of Jones's biggest power moves since he's been here.

LB - Should be an upgrade. JRM was a non-factor last year and surely lightening won't strike again at this position in regards to injuries. A healthy Kirkland and Sapp with another year under Shoop could be fun to watch.

DB - Better be a big upgrade, because the performance over the last few years is nowhere near what the standard for acceptable DB play should be at UT. Surely Warren couldn't possibly do a worse job than Martinez, could he? Sutton is the only loss and he was really only a factor in 2 or 3 games last year.

ST - If Evan Berry can return 100%, it's at least a push. Kicker and punter both return, and Byrd is skilled enough to be a more than adequate replacement for Sutton and Kamara at PR.

I think it's reasonable to expect our Vols to at least match their record from last year.

Croom was non factor most of last year as a Catching TE.. more of a blocker

 

[MrVolton]

Croom was non factor most of last year as a Catching TE.. more of a blocker

Eh, I don't get to attend many games and I guess I have a tendancy to show a little favoritism toward players that ball out when I'm able to be there. I was at the UT-UK game in 2014 and he had a monster game. I was convinced it was his break-out game, then he got injured..

 

[Biopsyman]

Eh, I don't get to attend many games and I guess I have a tendancy to show a little favoritism toward players that ball out when I'm able to be there. I was at the UT-UK game in 2014 and he had a monster game. I was convinced it was his break-out game, then he got injured..

He a guy who was a tweener.. not really a TE or a WR

 

[volmandu]

Two concerns I have :

a) QB : If Gurantano wins the job, I am sure Dormady is leaving. He has two years left so it will be stupid to not leave when he can go to new place and redshirt. I am worried if Jones leaves too. In that case, we will be one hit away from Will McBride being our QB with Zach Jancek as back up. I also think that if Dormady wins the job, Gurantano will stick atleast for this season to wait and see as he has more time left.

b) We are really thin at RB position. Kelly is good but he needs to stay healthy. Behind him we do not have any experience at all. If he even misses a game or so, we would be in trouble. Fils-Aime looks promising and so does Chandler but one is a freshman and other weighs 175 pounds (listed weight)

 

[BeecherVol]

QB - Downgrade. There'll be no way to replace Dobbs's leadership, experience, and perhaps his legs at the position. However, if Guarantano lives up to hype, it could be more than enough to win.

OL - Should be a big upgrade. Everyone returns after a year of having some actual S&C. And surely Wells cannot do worse than Mahoney.

RB - Slighter downgrade than many think. We will miss Kamara, but he was underutilized at times last year. Hurd's heart obviously wasn't in it, and it showed on the field. Kelly stepped up and showed that he has the potential to be a star. Surely either Feels-Amy or Chandler can prove to be a capable back up.

TE - Push at least. We'll miss Croom, but everyone else is back. It also seems that TE will play a bigger role under Scott based on everything that I've read about it.

WR - Slight downgrade. We'll miss Malone for sure, but we've still got Jennings and Byrd. Jennings has got that dawg in him and Byrd has the speed to be that deep threat we'll be losing in Malone. Calloway, Johnson, and a healthy Smith are all nice options as well.

DL - Push, surprisingly. You cannot replace a generational beast like Barnett, and depth takes a hit with the losses of Vereen and Lewis. However, every other spot should be an upgrade. The same thing I said about S&C in regards to OL applies here. And keeping Stripling around while adding Hoke has been one of Jones's biggest power moves to date, IMO.

LB - Should be an upgrade. JRM was a non-factor last year and surely lightening won't strike again at this position in regards to injuries. A healthy Kirkland and Sapp with another year under Shoop could be fun to watch.

DB - Better be a big upgrade, because the performance over the last few years is nowhere near what the standard for acceptable DB play should be at UT. Surely Warren couldn't possibly do a worse job than Martinez, could he? Sutton is the only loss and he was really only a factor in 2 or 3 games last year.

ST - If Evan Berry can return 100%, it's at least a push. Kicker and punter both return, and Byrd is skilled enough to be a more than adequate replacement for Sutton and Kamara at PR.

I think it's reasonable to expect our Vols to at least match their record from last year.

QB - The spot will be played different by whoever wins the job. Neither will be Dobbs immediately. Hard to expect either to fill that gap left without some game experience.

OL - Should be better, but still too many questions to feel confident.

RB - Solid if Chandler can provide early depth. Not near as dynamic with AK gone.

TE - Who knows. It hasn't been utilized very much. So losing a non productive player doesn't hurt too much.

WR - Im not sold that Byrd and Jennings will both be playing together on that side of the ball. Youth will need to step up.

DL - Health questions at DT and replacing your best 2 DE's leaves enough concern to not feel like this unit will be better.

LB - Somewhat better, mainly because some of the young guys got experience last year due to injuries. That group as a whole needs more talent.

Secondary - Expect better. Filled one of the worst coached positions with a solid hire.

STs - Berry being healthy is the key to this group getting back where it was.

 

[Caleb59seal]

Two concerns I have :

a) QB : If Gurantano wins the job, I am sure Dormady is leaving. He has two years left so it will be stupid to not leave when he can go to new place and redshirt. I am worried if Jones leaves too. In that case, we will be one hit away from Will McBride being our QB with Zach Jancek as back up. I also think that if Dormady wins the job, Gurantano will stick atleast for this season to wait and see as he has more time left.

b) We are really thin at RB position. Kelly is good but he needs to stay healthy. Behind him we do not have any experience at all. If he even misses a game or so, we would be in trouble. Fils-Aime looks promising and so does Chandler but one is a freshman and other weighs 175 pounds (listed weight)

RB is one of a very few postions that experience is an essential... It is a more instinctual postion as opposed to others...

I also feel chandler will be a solid contributor, and I think Kelly will have BETTER production then Kamara did when he was in. Kelly couldn't of been put in a better system for his skill set.

I also believe this offense will be the best it has been since Jones has step foot on campus. I am not a sunshine pumper by any means, but I do watch film and coach. Furthermore, the guys on staff are very unified in their philosophies about how to deal with certain looks and what they believe about personnel packages. This will be a great year to be in "jones offense."

 

[jakez4ut]

QB - The spot will be played different by whoever wins the job. Neither will be Dobbs immediately. Hard to expect either to fill that gap left without some game experience.

OL - Should be better, but still too many questions to feel confident.

RB - Solid if Chandler can provide early depth. Not near as dynamic with AK gone.

TE - Who knows. It hasn't been utilized very much. So losing a non productive player doesn't hurt too much.

WR - Im not sold that Byrd and Jennings will both be playing together on that side of the ball. Youth will need to step up.

DL - Health questions at DT and replacing your best 2 DE's leaves enough concern to not feel like this unit will be as better.

LB - Somewhat better, mainly because some of the young guys got experience last year due to injuries. That group as a whole needs more talent.

Secondary - Expect better. Filled one of the worst coached positions with a solid hire.

STs - Berry being healthy is the key to this group getting back where it was.

spot on.

 

[KBVol]

QB - The spot will be played different by whoever wins the job. Neither will be Dobbs immediately. Hard to expect either to fill that gap left without some game experience.

OL - Should be better, but still too many questions to feel confident.

RB - Solid if Chandler can provide early depth. Not near as dynamic with AK gone.

TE - Who knows. It hasn't been utilized very much. So losing a non productive player doesn't hurt too much.

WR - Im not sold that Byrd and Jennings will both be playing together on that side of the ball. Youth will need to step up.

DL - Health questions at DT and replacing your best 2 DE's leaves enough concern to not feel like this unit will be better.

LB - Somewhat better, mainly because some of the young guys got experience last year due to injuries. That group as a whole needs more talent.

Secondary - Expect better. Filled one of the worst coached positions with a solid hire.

STs - Berry being healthy is the key to this group getting back where it was.

Well done. All the right edits to original post imo.

 

[MrVolton]

QB - The spot will be played different by whoever wins the job. Neither will be Dobbs immediately. Hard to expect either to fill that gap left without some game experience.

OL - Should be better, but still too many questions to feel confident.

RB - Solid if Chandler can provide early depth. Not near as dynamic with AK gone.

TE - Who knows. It hasn't been utilized very much. So losing a non productive player doesn't hurt too much.

WR - Im not sold that Byrd and Jennings will both be playing together on that side of the ball. Youth will need to step up.

DL - Health questions at DT and replacing your best 2 DE's leaves enough concern to not feel like this unit will be better.

LB - Somewhat better, mainly because some of the young guys got experience last year due to injuries. That group as a whole needs more talent.

Secondary - Expect better. Filled one of the worst coached positions with a solid hire.

STs - Berry being healthy is the key to this group getting back where it was.

I can see all that.

Probably a more realistic look at the DL than what I said.

I see no way they move the #1 WR in JJ, but I'd love to see Byrd at corner. I just feel like if they were gonna move Byrd to D, it would have happened this past year.

There shouldn't be any questions at OL at this point, and I think there's every reason to expect a big improvement there. If there isn't improvement, then it means the scheme itself is flawed, IMO.

 

[dhb92]

With the losses at WR and Scott's involvement with TE you'd hope that our TEs would get a bump next year.

 

[BeecherVol]

There shouldn't be any questions at OL at this point, and I think there's every reason to expect a big improvement there. If there isn't improvement, then it means the scheme itself is flawed, IMO.

I agree that it shouldn't. Just not sold that it's fixed.

Good friend of mine who played OL for UT back in the day has had concerns about the scheme since the first O and W game of Jones tenure. It doesn't appear they did a very good job teaching technique under Mahoney either. Hopefully the change will help that some but I don't think that's the whole issue.

 

[Caleb59seal]

I agree that it shouldn't. Just not sold that it's fixed.

Good friend of mine who played OL for UT back in the day has had concerns about the scheme since the first O and W game of Jones tenure. It doesn't appear they did a very good job teaching technique under Mahoney either. Hopefully the change will help that some but I don't think that's the whole issue.

Yea I agree with your friend, it looked like to me that they were trying to marry a couple of schemes together that didn't make since to me... Now NFL teams have married some like this together and it ended up in about the same result... I don't know specifics on their scheme but of what I know your friend is spot on.

 

[87&91ALUM]

QB - I think we will be fine here. Agree that Josh made things happen. I see CBJ starting Dormady and if the offense doesn't move the ball and score, JG comes in half-time of the Tech game.

The schedule looks tougher to me. At Bama, at Florida, Tech is basically a home game for them, LSU will be tough in Neyland, Kentucky and Mizzou away. We will win the rest of the home games with Georgia being a BIG game. The youngsters better perform well early in the season or it is going to be a real long slog in 2017. Go Vols!

 

[orangebloodgmc]

LB -- Look forward to seeing Sapp back with a healthier Kirkland, but don't count out BITULI, and Blakely we haven't seen yet.

DB ... surely this coach will have them turn and look for the ball

QB -- Yes, whoever it is will be less experienced than Dobbs, but that doesn't mean they won't have any qualities that surpass any of his. "Unknown" does not necessarily mean bad, or even worse.

DL, OL, etc ... It amazes me how often folks seem to imply that the disappointing "best" that we have seen out of any of these young men in the past (green, youthful, injured, immature), is the high-water mark of the best they will ever be and that its all down-hill from there or maybe just even if we're lucky. These guys are working to get bigger and stronger, they should learn something from new coaches in the Spring, and they get more experienced with every game.

STs -- looking forward to more of Callaway

 

[Caleb59seal]

QB - I think we will be fine here. Agree that Josh made things happen. I see CBJ starting Dormady and if the offense doesn't move the ball and score, JG comes in half-time of the Tech game.

The schedule looks tougher to me. At Bama, at Florida, Tech is basically a home game for them, LSU will be tough in Neyland, Kentucky and Mizzou away. We will win the rest of the home games with Georgia being a BIG game. The youngsters better perform well early in the season or it is going to be a real long slog in 2017. Go Vols!

I'm not gonna lie it will be pretty cool to see GT'a flexbone offense....

 

[Caleb59seal]

LB -- Look forward to seeing Sapp back with a healthier Kirkland, but don't count out BITULI, and Blakely we haven't seen yet.

DB ... surely this coach will have them turn and look for the ball

QB -- Yes, whoever it is will be less experienced than Dobbs, but that doesn't mean they won't have any qualities that surpass any of his. "Unknown" does not necessarily mean bad, or even worse.

DL, OL, etc ... It amazes me how often folks seem to imply that the disappointing "best" that we have seen out of any of these young men in the past (green, youthful, injured, immature), is the high-water mark of the best they will ever be and that its all down-hill from there or maybe just even if we're lucky. These guys are working to get bigger and stronger, they should learn something from new coaches in the Spring, and they get more experienced with every game.

STs -- looking forward to more of Callaway

Call away will be a difference maker on the WR unit.

 

[Darth_Shiveman]

Two concerns I have :

a) QB : If Gurantano wins the job, I am sure Dormady is leaving. He has two years left so it will be stupid to not leave when he can go to new place and redshirt. I am worried if Jones leaves too. In that case, we will be one hit away from Will McBride being our QB with Zach Jancek as back up. I also think that if Dormady wins the job, Gurantano will stick atleast for this season to wait and see as he has more time left.

Dormady was an early enrollee, and is likely on track to be a December graduate. If he is just a few summer mini terms and the 2017 fall semester away from graduating, then his best bet will be to stick things out, graduate in December, and go play at his school of choice in 2018.

This is what Peterman did (though Peterman did have the luxury of a redshirt).

 

[livefaith]

I'm not gonna lie it will be pretty cool to see GT'a flexbone offense....

I hope I can walk away after that game using the word "cool" to describe it. Hopefully, our offseason to prepare for the opener will be an advantage for us.

 

[Enki_Amenra]

I heard Charlton Warren sang this at his first position group meeting:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcOxhH8N3Bo[/youtube]

 

[LWSVOL]

QB - Downgrade. There'll be no way to replace Dobbs's leadership, experience, and perhaps his legs at the position. However, if Guarantano lives up to hype, it could be more than enough to win.

OL - Should be a big upgrade. Everyone returns after a year of having some actual S&C. And surely Wells cannot do worse than Mahoney.

RB - Slighter downgrade than many think. We will miss Kamara, but he was underutilized at times last year. Hurd's heart obviously wasn't in it, and it showed on the field. Kelly stepped up and showed that he has the potential to be a star. Surely either Feels-Amy or Chandler can prove to be a capable back up.

TE - Push at least. We'll miss Croom, but everyone else is back. It also seems that TE will play a bigger role under Scott based on everything that I've read about it.

WR - Slight downgrade. We'll miss Malone for sure, but we've still got Jennings and Byrd. Jennings has got that dawg in him and Byrd has the speed to be that deep threat we'll be losing in Malone. Calloway, Johnson, and a healthy Smith are all nice options as well.

DL - Push, surprisingly. You cannot replace a generational beast like Barnett, and depth takes a hit with the losses of Vereen and Lewis. However, every other spot should be an upgrade. The same thing I said about S&C in regards to OL applies here. And keeping Stripling around while adding Hoke has been one of Jones's biggest power moves to date, IMO.

LB - Should be an upgrade. JRM was a non-factor last year and surely lightening won't strike again at this position in regards to injuries. A healthy Kirkland and Sapp with another year under Shoop could be fun to watch.

DB - Better be a big upgrade, because the performance over the last few years is nowhere near what the standard for acceptable DB play should be at UT. Surely Warren couldn't possibly do a worse job than Martinez, could he? Sutton is the only loss and he was really only a factor in 2 or 3 games last year.

ST - If Evan Berry can return 100%, it's at least a push. Kicker and punter both return, and Byrd is skilled enough to be a more than adequate replacement for Sutton and Kamara at PR.

I think it's reasonable to expect our Vols to at least match their record from last year.

for the life of me, I can't see anyone on there that can replace the production of 6 players we lost. Someone might, but haven't proved they can yet.

Malone's production?

Kamara/Hurds production?

Dobbs productions?

Barnetts production?

On Reeves-Maybin and Sutton, while out last year no one could replace their production so who will do it this year?

I think getting to 8 regular season wins is going to be dependent on a lot of people stepping up who have not yet done so.

 

[MrVolton]

for the life of me, I can't see anyone on there that can replace the production of 6 players we lost. Someone might, but haven't proved they can yet.

Malone's production?

Kamara/Hurds production?

Dobbs productions?

Barnetts production?

On Reeves-Maybin and Sutton, while out last year no one could replace their production so who will do it this year?

I think getting to 8 regular season wins is going to be dependent on a lot of people stepping up who have not yet done so.

Thanks for the insight.

Malone, Kamara, and Dobbs will be missed no doubt, I was just holding out hope that an improved OL would help offset some of that. And there is no replacing Barnett, but hopefully another year in S&C for guys like Kongbo, Phillips, Smith, and Taylor and they can help pick up some slack.

As for Hurd, JRM, and Sutton, I just figured that if we could win 8 with no more contribution than we got from them last year, their absence would be a non-factor this year.

A lot of hope there, I know.

 

[livefaith]

QB - You have to say downgrade here. But, QB is a position where success is wedded to the scheme, game planning, and other personnel. Not every natty is won by a great QB. But, it is won exclusively by teams with a QB who is good and heady enough to shine in those 3 areas of this team. We've got about as good of potential for newcomers as could be hoped for.

OL - Prediction: Team strength in 17'. Due to health, experience, talent, depth, gel, and coaching.

RB - Downgrade slightly. But throw in the psychological aspect of a team cancer being removed and this has to be considered an upgrade. Anyone experienced in team sports or organizations knows how much damage just 1 misfit can do to the entire group. Strong youngsters look good too.

TE - Push. Wolf will be playing for a chance at $$$. Croom was learning last year.

WR - Jennings will be a beast. Smith is always solid. Byrd, Callaway, Johnson, and also Williams will all gap up significantly in demands and roles. WRs often make significant production jumps after FR season. At least one of the rookies will get significant PT.

DL - Improvement. Last season's attrition was death for our entire defense. That was last year, not this year. Unless bad lightening strikes twice, our DL will greatly improve. We lose more than we can replace at DE. But, we have more than 2 DE's that will make an impact there. A small dropoff. But on the interior we should experience a dramatic improvement with the rotation of Vickers, Mac, Tut, Johnson, Picou, Bain, Cave, and 2 good looking FR. Remember, we're comparing 2016 to the potential of 2017, not the potential of 2016 to the potential of 2017.

LB - Major upgrade. Kirkland, Bituli, Sapp, McDowell, Blakeley, Bryant, and Bates all will see upgrades. Remember, last years NFLer was absent 2/3 of season. TKjr in the mix? See note @ potential above.

DB - Upgrade. Better coaching, more experience, and more talent top to bottom should see improvement there. Sutton was 100% less than 1/2 of last season. See potential notes above and above.

ST - Slight improvement. We are already awesome here, but 17' looks even a little better to me. Byrd and Callaway replace the lost skill in the return dept. Punter is already sick. Kicker should improve yet again after improving last 2 seasons. Honestly don't know if coverage or blocking groups improve or not.

Coaching (not on list) - Improvement. #1 Butch either rises up with unmatched focus and prep or wilts. I think he rises up with his back to the wall. #2 Staff improvements cannot be underestimated. #3 Will they gel in the vision. I'ma hopin' even tho hope aint a strategy.

Potential 2017' better than 2016' reality.

 

[a vol n tears]

I don't think you need to always compare a leaving player directly with the player that is replacing them. Probably not gonna get another once a decade player like Barnett, to step in and have a better career. But, one of the excellent DEs on the roster could have an all SEC season. Maybe even 11 or 12 sacks. I also think the Johnson kid will be a hoss at DT next year. My biggest question mark will be LBs. If Kirkland come back 100% the D will be ok. Several other LBs got snaps and with Batuli maturing and Sapp returning the D could be much improved. I personally think the 2017 starting QB will be just as effective as Josh Dobbs (and I think he was as fine an example of student athlete as I've ever seen). Either QB who starts could easily be one of the top passers in the SEC next season with fewer turnovers.

 

[NeverWe'llSever]

QB - I think we will be fine here. Agree that Josh made things happen. I see CBJ starting Dormady and if the offense doesn't move the ball and score, JG comes in half-time of the Tech game.

The schedule looks tougher to me. At Bama, at Florida, Tech is basically a home game for them, LSU will be tough in Neyland, Kentucky and Mizzou away. We will win the rest of the home games with Georgia being a BIG game. The youngsters better perform well early in the season or it is going to be a real long slog in 2017. Go Vols!

Schedule looks a lot easier to me than last year.