AbarVolfan15
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Breakout players for 2012
With all of the young talent the VOLs possess, and the somewhat low expectations, the VOLs are bound to have breakout players in different areas of the field. These guys can come out of fall camp primed for success.
Special Teams
Return game- D.Young/C.Patterson
These guys have the unique ability to take the return game to a level that UT has not seen in a long time. Two completely different body types, but both have great speed and great change of direction.
Kicking Game- G.Bullock
Not all hope is lost for Michael Palardy, but there is a new leg in town. All fans should be fully expecting to see Mr. Bullock to kick the game off in Atlanta. He possesses more power than Palardy and he will be an asset on kickoffs.
DEFENSE
Secondary- D.Bonner/J.Coleman, B.Moore/L.McNeil
Corner-D.Bonner and J.Coleman are both very talented and have found themselves in a position battle with the recent opening of a starting CB role. Both of these guys have something to prove and a great opportunity.
Safety- B.Moore and L.McNeil were both top 100 recruits, and they have their chance to defend their rankings. With the status of Brent Brewer up in the air could start game 1. B.Moore had a good spring, and L.McNeil is having good summer, do not be surprised to see these guys making plays in 2012.
Linebacker- J.Smith/L.Lewis, J.King/K.Byrum
With the VOLs moving to a 3-4 the "Jack" is a breakout role and J.Smith and L.Lewis are the guys primed to make plays. J.Smith can settle in at a position that fits his body type and athleticism as well as living up to his recruiting hype. L.Lewis is 6'4" 240 with good pass rushing abilities. He could be a redshirt candidate, but I think he will step it up in camp and earn some minutes.
It gets tricky with J.King and K.Byrum. These guys didn't come in with big expectations and many expect a redshirt, but all reports from summer workouts is they have "beefed" up(Byrum 246lb, King 225lb) and look game ready. Do not expect them to start, but with the added responsibility on the LB's look for them to add depth and make plays on special teams.
Defensive Line-M.Walls/D.Sentimore/C.Miller, T.Saulsberry/D.Phillips/S.Fowlkes, D.McCullers/Greg Clark
Inconsistent play and the move to the 3-4 has made the D-Line wide open for whoever steps up.
D-END-In terms of starters, M.Walls, D.Sentimore, and S.Fowlkes are in front, and it will be the 2 guys who step up in fall camp. Dante Phillips is a great addition and once he gets in playing shape around 295 he can make a run at a starting end-spot later in the season. T.Saulsberry is coming off a redshirt year and can surprise people and see some minutes.
Nose Tackle- This is the base for the new Def. and DMac, BigMac, MacTruck etc. whatever you wanna call him. Daniel McCullers is the giant at 6'6" 365 of a man Dooley has recruited for this position. He will have a good year, but he won't be able to take the reins until later in the season. Greg Clark has my vote for breakout player of the year! He has the perfect size 6'2" 325lbs, and he used it well this spring when he surprised Sal and many of the coaches. This 2* recruit has the potential to make an impact at NT.
OFFENSE
Not too many surprises here, but there are a few guys who can add depth.
Offensive Line- Tiny Richardson
Tiny was the highlight of the 2011 class and he was the #1 recruit in TN. He won a starting spot in the spring and he plays a key role in turning the VOLs run game around.
Running Backs- M.Lane, R.Neal, D.Bourque
This is the key to the VOLs success on Off. and Def., this group will be able to elongate drives and take pressure off of T.Bray and the defense. M.Lane is poised to breakout 2 years removed from his injury and after his performance in the O&W game he is making progress. R.Neal has the size and speed to be an every down back, but he is holding himself back. Lack of confidence when hitting the hole and ball security issues have plagued him. He is working toward improving himself(Rajion Neal Workout - YouTube) and he will make plays for the VOLs this year. D.Borque wanted to play RB and the VOLs are giving him the chance. He has the potential, and can surprise us.
Wide-Receiver- Pig Howard, C.Patterson, J.Croom, D.Bowles
Essentially our WR haul from 2012. CP will have a good year, but sadly I doubt he will live up to the All-World standards many have set for him. When Pig returns from his injury he can make an impact.
I will stand behind my previous claim the VOLs will win 9-10 games or this seasons true potential was not reached. Tyler Bray will be our QB and he has what it takes to win.
With all of the young talent the VOLs possess, and the somewhat low expectations, the VOLs are bound to have breakout players in different areas of the field. These guys can come out of fall camp primed for success.
Special Teams
Return game- D.Young/C.Patterson
These guys have the unique ability to take the return game to a level that UT has not seen in a long time. Two completely different body types, but both have great speed and great change of direction.
Kicking Game- G.Bullock
Not all hope is lost for Michael Palardy, but there is a new leg in town. All fans should be fully expecting to see Mr. Bullock to kick the game off in Atlanta. He possesses more power than Palardy and he will be an asset on kickoffs.
DEFENSE
Secondary- D.Bonner/J.Coleman, B.Moore/L.McNeil
Corner-D.Bonner and J.Coleman are both very talented and have found themselves in a position battle with the recent opening of a starting CB role. Both of these guys have something to prove and a great opportunity.
Safety- B.Moore and L.McNeil were both top 100 recruits, and they have their chance to defend their rankings. With the status of Brent Brewer up in the air could start game 1. B.Moore had a good spring, and L.McNeil is having good summer, do not be surprised to see these guys making plays in 2012.
Linebacker- J.Smith/L.Lewis, J.King/K.Byrum
With the VOLs moving to a 3-4 the "Jack" is a breakout role and J.Smith and L.Lewis are the guys primed to make plays. J.Smith can settle in at a position that fits his body type and athleticism as well as living up to his recruiting hype. L.Lewis is 6'4" 240 with good pass rushing abilities. He could be a redshirt candidate, but I think he will step it up in camp and earn some minutes.
It gets tricky with J.King and K.Byrum. These guys didn't come in with big expectations and many expect a redshirt, but all reports from summer workouts is they have "beefed" up(Byrum 246lb, King 225lb) and look game ready. Do not expect them to start, but with the added responsibility on the LB's look for them to add depth and make plays on special teams.
Defensive Line-M.Walls/D.Sentimore/C.Miller, T.Saulsberry/D.Phillips/S.Fowlkes, D.McCullers/Greg Clark
Inconsistent play and the move to the 3-4 has made the D-Line wide open for whoever steps up.
D-END-In terms of starters, M.Walls, D.Sentimore, and S.Fowlkes are in front, and it will be the 2 guys who step up in fall camp. Dante Phillips is a great addition and once he gets in playing shape around 295 he can make a run at a starting end-spot later in the season. T.Saulsberry is coming off a redshirt year and can surprise people and see some minutes.
Nose Tackle- This is the base for the new Def. and DMac, BigMac, MacTruck etc. whatever you wanna call him. Daniel McCullers is the giant at 6'6" 365 of a man Dooley has recruited for this position. He will have a good year, but he won't be able to take the reins until later in the season. Greg Clark has my vote for breakout player of the year! He has the perfect size 6'2" 325lbs, and he used it well this spring when he surprised Sal and many of the coaches. This 2* recruit has the potential to make an impact at NT.
OFFENSE
Not too many surprises here, but there are a few guys who can add depth.
Offensive Line- Tiny Richardson
Tiny was the highlight of the 2011 class and he was the #1 recruit in TN. He won a starting spot in the spring and he plays a key role in turning the VOLs run game around.
Running Backs- M.Lane, R.Neal, D.Bourque
This is the key to the VOLs success on Off. and Def., this group will be able to elongate drives and take pressure off of T.Bray and the defense. M.Lane is poised to breakout 2 years removed from his injury and after his performance in the O&W game he is making progress. R.Neal has the size and speed to be an every down back, but he is holding himself back. Lack of confidence when hitting the hole and ball security issues have plagued him. He is working toward improving himself(Rajion Neal Workout - YouTube) and he will make plays for the VOLs this year. D.Borque wanted to play RB and the VOLs are giving him the chance. He has the potential, and can surprise us.
Wide-Receiver- Pig Howard, C.Patterson, J.Croom, D.Bowles
Essentially our WR haul from 2012. CP will have a good year, but sadly I doubt he will live up to the All-World standards many have set for him. When Pig returns from his injury he can make an impact.
I will stand behind my previous claim the VOLs will win 9-10 games or this seasons true potential was not reached. Tyler Bray will be our QB and he has what it takes to win.
