this is a clipping for a tennessee report. Same thing was said on a SEC program about 2 weeks ago.
The early spring buzz ... Last year was about restoring the program's reputation and getting Phil Fulmer off the hot seat. This year is about being considered among the elite of the elite and being a top contender for the SEC title. While the receiving corps takes a hit and the defense has to replace the starting tackles and three defensive backs, nothing less than double-digit wins and a shot at the SEC East title will do. The expectations are jacked up again.
The big spring question is ... Will there finally be a pass rush? The Vol defensive front was great at making plays behind the line of scrimmage and awful and generating sacks. Xavier Mitchell and Antonio Reynolds are veteran ends who need get even more pressure. They're playmakers and were good against the run at times, but if they're not pushing up the sack totals, the linebackers might have to do even more work to hurry opposing passing games.
The most important position to watch is ... Cornerback. Quarterback is suddenly a huge issue after Erik Ainge went down early in spring ball with a torn MCL that'll keep him out for at least three months. Receiver is a concern after losing Robert Meachem, Bret Smith and Jason Swain, but the Vols always crank out elite targets. They're also good when it comes to finding top-shelf defensive backs, but replacing Jonathan Wade and Antwan Stewart will be the big worry with a trip to California to start the season and a date at Florida on September 15th. Roshaun Fellows is back after missing all of last year with a torn pectoral muscle and should be back at one spot. The other corner job is up for grabs.Spring attitude... Get through September unbeaten and the national title will be there for the taking. Winning at Cal would make a big splash, beating Southern Miss would be nicer than many would make it out to be, and a win at Florida would mean an instant spot in the top three, if not number two behind USC. Georgia and Arkansas come to Knoxville while the three remaining road games are at