I am a bit Skeptical of your claims. Could you please explain? Upgrading O line? Returning most talented WRs? Secondary loaded? (same secondary that played OSU?) You may be right and would love to be educated on how this is the case. Thanks
Happy to explain, sir.
Offensive Line (4 of 5 positions should be better):
OT: Heard will be year older and hopefully healthier. Campbell was playing hurt all year which is why he was splitting time with Davis. Replacing them with Warren, Perry, and Sanders Jr.
Also don't sleep on J. Heard. Physical specimen, he is.
LG: I don't know why people think Karic and Spraggins were good. Look to the Vandy game, for example, where we were stuffed on 3rd & 1 and 4th &1 on back-to-back inside runs. Pulling guards became a staple in our offense last year because without momentum, our guards couldn't move anyone out of the way. Replacing them with Moe and Pendleton (presumably). And remember, Perry and Sanders Jr. are both athletic enough to play guard or tackle. Whoever doesn't with the job at RT may have an opportunity to play the Dayne Davis role of filling in wherever needed.
C: Hard to imagine this not being a drop-off, but Satterwhite should be ready to go. If not, Pendleton can play C with Perry or Sanders Jr. at G.
Wide Receiver:
Mike Matthews > Squirrel White
Carnell Tate > Donte Thornton
2025 Brazzell > 2024 Brazzell
Staley - Elite speed and athleticism. 4A South Carolina state champion in triple jump and 200-meter dash.
3 incoming freshmen. 2 four-stars and an athletic three-star.
I love Bru McCoy, he has been my favorite Vol for 2 years, BUT he produced very little in the passing game. Great run blocker, though. This may be a stretch, but I'm thinking Boo Carter > 2024 Bru McCoy (post-injury)
Losing Nimrod, Webb, etc. means nothing to me.
Secondary:
McCoy, Gibson, Boo Carter, Jakobe Thomas, McMurray, Jourdan Thomas (He was the projected starter at safety, not Brooks), and several talented freshmen eager for an opportunity to prove themselves. We're basically just replacing Brooks with Jo. Thomas, who was the starter headed into in the 2024 season. And we're rumored to be adding a S from the portal. This group played great all season. I don't want to hear about the Ohio State game. They were going to roast anyone they played. NFL DBs will struggle with Egbuka and Smith their rookie seasons. Obviously need McCoy to get back to 100% but he has time.