If Hooker comes back...

#1
NighthawkVol

NighthawkVol

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#1
...and I think he will (I haven't seen a draft projection that has him in the top 3 rounds), this will be the first time in a long time that we go into a season with a puncher's chance in every game. I'm not predicting an undefeated season by any stretch, but there isn't a game on the schedule for which I think, "that would take a miracle to win." In fact, I think 10-2 is very possible if Hooker comes back and guys like Carvin, Calbert, Flowers, and Mitchell all use their Covid year to return.
 
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#3
#3
If every single player who can return does, starting with Hendon, the big gaps we need to fill for a serious run at the SEC East are:

-- wide receiver -- losing two of our top three playmakers (Jones and Payton) -- need younger fellas to step up
-- defensive line -- 4 of the 10 DL on our depth chart have to move on after this season -- we'll need a quick refill from the portal
-- linebacker -- we're not losing a lot, but we can stand to improve here -- maybe an upgrade or two from the portal

Everywhere else, we're good. We could make a serious run at Georgia and the East next season, if the lads all come back and we find quick backfills for those three position groups.

Go Vols!
 
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#4
#4
VFL-82-JP said:
If every single player who can return does, starting with Hendon, the big gaps we need to fill for a serious run at the SEC East are:

-- wide receiver -- losing two of our top three playmakers (Jones and Payton) -- need younger fellas to step up
-- defensive line -- 4 of the 10 DL on our depth chart have to move on after this season -- we'll need a quick refill from the portal
-- linebacker -- we're not losing a lot, but we can stand to improve here -- maybe an upgrade or two from the portal

Everywhere else, we're good. We could make a serious run at Georgia and the East next season, if the lads all come back and we find quick backfills for those three position groups.

Go Vols!
Click to expand...

Another important item and I haven't heard any feedback at all is our S&C program...Our team needs to hit this hard during the offseason as well...
 
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#5
#5
Is Payton for sure out of eligibility? I thought i saw another thread where someone said VJ was the only Receiver absolutely out of Options.
 
#6
#6
hog88 said:
Hookers always come back if ya pay them........
Click to expand...
giphy.gif
 
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#7
#7
We need high quality depth on both lines if we want to have a serious shot. If we get that, I think we can legitimately think about winning the SECE
 
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#10
#10
I cant foresee any reason that Hooker doesn't return.

As OP said, he isn't projected anywhere near the top couple of rounds that I have seen either.

Pickett with Pitt came back for year 5 this season and has worked himself into first round consideration.

I am not seeing Hooker as a first round pick but I think a full season and dedicated reps as the clear starter should help his draft potential.
 
#12
#12
Definitely need an additional running back, and our safeties are awful. Other than that I agree with the other positional needs. There are a lot of young guys already on the roster who could help fill these gaps with a good offseason (Lampley, Willis, Rucker, Parker, Slaughter).

Excited to dive headfirst into the offseason hype!
 
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#14
#14
Not to burst anyone’s bubble, but Kiper had Hooker at the 9th qb, and recently said he’s “moving up”. I think Hooker will want to test the waters. A good combine could move him into top 5.
 
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#15
#15
VFL-82-JP said:
If every single player who can return does, starting with Hendon, the big gaps we need to fill for a serious run at the SEC East are:

-- wide receiver -- losing two of our top three playmakers (Jones and Payton) -- need younger fellas to step up
-- defensive line -- 4 of the 10 DL on our depth chart have to move on after this season -- we'll need a quick refill from the portal
-- linebacker -- we're not losing a lot, but we can stand to improve here -- maybe an upgrade or two from the portal

Everywhere else, we're good. We could make a serious run at Georgia and the East next season, if the lads all come back and we find quick backfills for those three position groups.

Go Vols!
Click to expand...
What does the secondary look like? I thought there were some losses there.
 
#16
#16
VFL-82-JP said:
If every single player who can return does, starting with Hendon, the big gaps we need to fill for a serious run at the SEC East are:

-- wide receiver -- losing two of our top three playmakers (Jones and Payton) -- need younger fellas to step up
-- defensive line -- 4 of the 10 DL on our depth chart have to move on after this season -- we'll need a quick refill from the portal
-- linebacker -- we're not losing a lot, but we can stand to improve here -- maybe an upgrade or two from the portal

Everywhere else, we're good. We could make a serious run at Georgia and the East next season, if the lads all come back and we find quick backfills for those three position groups.

Go Vols!
Click to expand...

We'll be fine at WR. DL, LB, and the entire secondary will need support from the portal.
 
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#19
#19
I think we will add a lot through Jucos and the portal.
Offense (jucos/portal)
QB - need an experienced high level player behind Hooker (Milton is not an option)
RB - the injury to Evans has killed our running game due to talent drop off. Need to add a high level RB to share carries with Evans
OL - need to add an OT that can come in and start. Could see adding 1-2 on the o-line
WR - could see adding 1 player here. Should have plenty of options with this offense
Total - 4-5

Defense (jucos/portal)
DL - need a lot of help here. Would be good to add two DTs and an edge rusher. Need size inside and more pass rush ability
LB - huge area of need. Need at least one who can come in and start. Beasley should be 3rd string
DBs - could see adding two here.
Total - 6

I think those numbers are doable through jucos and the portal.
Will also have so many players in 2nd year of this offense and defense which will be huge.
 
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#20
#20
sjt18 said:
What does the secondary look like? I thought there were some losses there.
Click to expand...
We lose two for sure of the 10 on the depth chart. The one that hurts is Theo Jackson; Kenneth George is the other sure loss. But we hopefully get to keep Alontae and most of the rest. Think we'll be okay there.
 
#21
#21
sonofUT62 said:
Is Payton for sure out of eligibility? I thought i saw another thread where someone said VJ was the only Receiver absolutely out of Options.
Click to expand...
Yeah, he's completely out of eligibility after this season.

2017 -- Northwest Community College -- true freshman -- played in 11 games
2018 -- Northwest Community College -- true sophomore -- played in at least 9 games
2019 -- Mississippi State -- true junior -- played in 13 games
2020 -- Mississippi State -- true senior (BUT FREE YEAR) -- played in 9 games
2021 -- Tennessee -- covid senior -- has played in every game this season, I think

He never used his redshirt, because he never went a season without playing the game. Even ignoring 2020, he has used all four years of eligibility.

JaVonta Payton - Football - University of Tennessee Athletics
 
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#23
#23
37620VOL said:
We'll be fine at WR. DL, LB, and the entire secondary will need support from the portal.
Click to expand...

That and O-line. We have a lot of OL recruits, but I think we could use someone with more experience from the portal, particularly if Cade Mays ends up leaving for the NFL.
 
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