John Kelly is a perfect illustration of this idea: from here on, every year is a potential championship year for the Vols.
Just a few short weeks ago, hell, for the past 10 months, some folks have been saying that "it's now or never" for the Vols to win championships, that with Hurd leaving and Dobbs leaving and Barnett probably leaving and Sutton leaving and JRM leaving and on and on, there's no chance we win anything in 2017. It's 2016 or bust.
And it always makes me think back to 1997, Peyton's last year. Folks said all the same things then. And just look how the following year turned out.
So...Hurd is gone. Alvin is temporarily sidelined. And just look at young Mr. Kelly, filling in the open spot.
Fact is, we have a ton of great talent waiting for their turn; saw a lot of it showcased for the first time yesterday.
2017 is another chance at championships. Butch is right about this: we're gonna be fine.
But first, let's enjoy the rest of 2016. Some really great things could still happen for our lads on Team 120.
Go Vols!