Bullet points from The Athletic on UT Football

[SNAFU]

From David Ubben
-Trey Smith looks better than ever.
- Henry To’o To’o is leading the defense. Crouch and Banks competing for the other ILB
-Tennessee’s freshman receivers are earning early buzz.
-Tee Martin wants to get Velus Jones Jr. the ball. Stretches the field
-The defensive line is struggling for multiple reasons. Lack of elite talent and loss of practices
-Darnell Wright is holding off K’Rojhn Calbert at right tackle.
-The running back room must find depth.
-Shrout is winning the backup job.
-If any play-callers are out, Pruitt feels OK. Pruitt will call the defense, T the offense.
-The outside linebacker position battle will be heated.
-Tennessee’s secondary will be more versatile than last year.
-The Vols’ corners are having a much better offseason.
-A young offensive line standout. Javontez Spraggins
-Defensively, Key Lawrence has been the best freshman.
-The Vols have mostly avoided major preseason injuries.

 

[PEPPERJAX]

I hate to hear that the d line is struggling.

 

[volsrock09]

From David Ubben
-Trey Smith looks better than ever.
- Henry To’o To’o is leading the defense. Crouch and Banks competing for the other ILB
-Tennessee’s freshman receivers are earning early buzz.
-Tee Martin wants to get Velus Jones Jr. the ball. Stretches the field
-The defensive line is struggling for multiple reasons. Lack of elite talent and loss of practices
-Darnell Wright is holding off K’Rojhn Calbert at right tackle.
-The running back room must find depth.
-Shrout is winning the backup job.
-If any play-callers are out, Pruitt feels OK. Pruitt will call the defense, T the offense.
-The outside linebacker position battle will be heated.
-Tennessee’s secondary will be more versatile than last year.
-The Vols’ corners are having a much better offseason.
-A young offensive line standout. Javontez Spraggins
-Defensively, Key Lawrence has been the best freshman.
-The Vols have mostly avoided major preseason injuries.

-The Vols have mostly avoided major preseason injuries.---

He just had to say something about that now lmao

 

[CNeagleVolFan]

I hate to hear that the d line is struggling.

The only positive is even though the D-line is struggling linebacker play and secondary play can help a young/mediocre defensive line A LOT. When guys can’t get open it helps the D-line get a better chance at a sack, linebackers with experience help put the D-line in the right position to succeed, and also good LB play helps limit the run game as well. If at least 2/3 of the D-line, LBs, and secondary are solid then we will be just fine.

 

[PEPPERJAX]

The only positive is even though the D-line is struggling linebacker play and secondary play can help a young/mediocre defensive line A LOT. Guys can’t get up it helps the D-line get a better chance at a sack, linebackers with experience help put the D-line in the right position to succeed, and also good LB play helps limit the run game as well. If at least 2/3 of the D-line, LBs, and secondary are solid then we will be just fine.

I get that but we still need a pass rush.

 

[wmcovol]

I hate to hear that the d line is struggling.

Maybe it’s the OL is so much improved. We’ll know in about 10 days

 

[Crazy Ivan]

The loss of Tim Jordan really hurts our RB depth.

 

[Catbone]

I hate to hear that the d line is struggling.

We have a lot of veterans there. Contact tracing keeping a lot of guys from playing at that position

 

[HuntlandVolinColo]

I hate to hear that the d line is struggling.

That's a Senior laden squad and I expect them to step it up this year. Maybe it's just that our OL is superb this year (fingers crossed).

 

[PEPPERJAX]

That's a Senior laden squad and I expect them to step it up this year. Maybe it's just that our OL is superb this year (fingers crossed).

Middleton and Solomon going to play?

 

[HuntlandVolinColo]

Middleton and Solomon going to play?

Middleton has already said he's opting in for this season and next season!

 

[butchna]

Middleton and Solomon going to play?

Middleton definitely planning on it...and returning next season.

 

[TNHopeful505]

We will be ready. Glad to hear some positive things there

 

[sjt18]

I hate to hear that the d line is struggling.

Me too... but it is a "relative" thing. Not performing well against this particular OL may not mean they suck.

 

[davethevol]

Did Tee call the offense last year?

 

[1vol8]

That's a Senior laden squad and I expect them to step it up this year. Maybe it's just that our OL is superb this year (fingers crossed).

I think it’s just Pruitt challenging the D line to excel knowing we have one of the best o lines in the country. If he can mentally challenge them to beat our O line then he knows what they can do to opposing o lines.

 

[PlanetVolunteer]

I am actually not really that worried about the defensive line. Really wish we had Gooden, but it is basically the same D-line as last year and they did well. Most of the issues have to be because of contact tracing. Darel aint even out there. It also probably has to do with how good our offensive line is.

 

[butchna]

Did Tee call the offense last year?

He was hired as the Passing Game Coordinator, so he had some input...but no. Chaney’s baby.

 

[butchna]

I am actually not really that worried about the defensive line. Really wish we had Gooden, but it is basically the same D-line as last year and they did well. Most of the issues have to be because of contact tracing. Darel aint even out there. It also probably has to do with how good our offensive line is.

Gooden just had some kind of surgery...so he wouldn’t have been available anyway. With the girlfriend dropping the charges and a more possible resolution, then he may play next year at a smaller program. JMO.

 

[wmcovol]

Gooden just had some kind of surgery...so he wouldn’t have been available anyway. With the girlfriend dropping the charges and a more possible resolution, then he may play next year at a smaller program. JMO.

Gooden had surgery last year. He should have been able to play this year.

 

[butchna]

Gooden had surgery last year. He should have been able to play this year.

Saw it on Twitter. He’s had a recent procedure.

 

[wmcovol]

Saw it on Twitter. He’s had a recent procedure.

My bad then.

 

[IBlvNTmWrk]

Did Tee call the offense last year?

I'm assuming he means from the sideline since Chaney's in the box.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

I'm assuming he means from the sideline since Chaney's in the box.

I think he meant that's the backup plan. If Chaney wouldn't make a game (like, for Covid), then Tee would call the offense.

 

[FBtime]

The loss of Tim Jordan really hurts our RB depth.

He had 104 carries last year for a 4.1 ypc which was the lowest of the 3 main RBs last year. I think Tee Hodge and Jabari Small can more than make up for his absence. I would actually take this years group over last year.