The offensive and defensive ‘X-factors’ for Tennessee in 2016

#1
weallvol

weallvol

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 18, 2010
Messages
701
Likes
1,144
#1
"OFFENSE
TE Jason Croom: Croom (6 feet 4, 246 pounds), a converted wide receiver, should be a matchup nightmare for opposing safeties and linebackers. Croom has had an injury-plagued career and looks to make his final season on Rocky Top a special one. Tennessee has been searching for more production from its tight ends since Butch Jones arrived in 2013, but hasn’t had a player with Croom’s size, speed and versatility. If he can stay healthy, he will be yet another weapon for Josh Dobbs. The passing attack must be revved up, and Croom can help those numbers.

DEFENSE
DT Kahlil McKenzie: McKenzie, a sophomore whose dad, Reggie, is the GM of the Oakland Raiders, played lot of ball for Tennessee last season, though he never really had the impact most fans expected. Some of that was experience; some of that was McKenzie not being in good shape after missing his senior season of high school football. McKenzie says he has trimmed down to 315 pounds and is in the best shape he’s been in since his junior year of high school. He looks ready to make a legitimate impact along the defensive line. Everyone is aware of the Vols’ potentially dominant pass rush, and if McKenzie plays as well as expected, Tennessee could have one of the most impressive defensive lines in the country."


The offensive and defensive 'X-factors' for Tennessee in 2016
 
  • Like
Reactions: 5 people
#3
#3
BigOrangeTrain said:
I hope Croom stays healthy this year. He has great potential.
Click to expand...

With the new strength and conditioning program I believe he stays healthier than in past years and will contribute big time. After all he asked for the position change so now he needs to step up.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
#4
#4
Can't really call Kahlil an X-factor. I think everyone expects him to be big.

I will go with Corey Vereen. Not many people outside of Knoxville know about him. I could see him getting 8-9 sacks and being an All-SEC performer.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 5 people
#5
#5
Dobbs 4 Heisman said:
Can't really call Kahlil an X-factor. I think everyone expects him to be big.

I will go with Corey Vereen. Not many people outside of Knoxville know about him. I could see him getting 8-9 sacks and being an All-SEC performer.
Click to expand...

John Henderson 2,0 we hope
 
#7
#7
Dobbs 4 Heisman said:
Can't really call Kahlil an X-factor. I think everyone expects him to be big.

I will go with Corey Vereen. Not many people outside of Knoxville know about him. I could see him getting 8-9 sacks and being an All-SEC performer.
Click to expand...

From the article:
"The definition of an “X-factor,” says Merriam-Webster (you know, the dictionary people), is “a circumstance, quality or person that has a strong but unpredictable influence.” When it comes to football, then, think of an “X-factor” as a player who could make – or break – an offense or a defense."
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people
#8
#8
Offense: Coleman Thomas. I think he needs to be solid in getting the line set and helping Dobbs call out defenses. If he can be at an All-SEC level then I think our offense can go to another level.

Defense: Todd Kelly. I know he's a household name to us, but he's not to everyone else. I also think he's getting a little overlooked as probably the 4th best player on this defense. He's the most experienced player on the least experienced level of defense so he's gotta take his play to another level. If he's at an All-SEC level there's no telling how good our D can be. Scary good.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people
#10
#10
Dobbs 4 Heisman said:
Can't really call Kahlil an X-factor. I think everyone expects him to be big.

I will go with Corey Vereen. Not many people outside of Knoxville know about him. I could see him getting 8-9 sacks and being an All-SEC performer.
Click to expand...

With the depth at DE I don't necessarily see Vereen,although a valuable asset, a make or break type of player. We do however need Kahlil to be that x factor. Imo
 
#11
#11
Was reminded today that Croom caught the tying touch-down in the 4th quarter of that 2014 come-back win.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
#12
#12
EA says not to expect a lot from Croom at TE. Can't believe nobody has mentioned P Willy.
 
#13
#13
I'll go with OP and his two. Croom has shown a flash here or there but I'd love from him to have a monster year with recognition as well. KMac, I'll be the first to admit I was sky high on the youngster and my expectations were too high and not realistic in hindsight, if a mea culpa is required, take this as mine. That said I want KMac to be THE dominant force on this defense, granted it's going to be #9, but I need KMac to be right there with him this year.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
#16
#16
Remy said:
I'll go with OP and his two. Croom has shown a flash here or there but I'd love from him to have a monster year with recognition as well. KMac, I'll be the first to admit I was sky high on the youngster and my expectations were too high and not realistic in hindsight, if a mea culpa is required, take this as mine. That said I want KMac to be THE dominant force on this defense, granted it's going to be #9, but I need KMac to be right there with him this year.
Click to expand...

Your not the only one that had high expectations for KMac. Hopefully after dropping about 50 lbs he will find that he's more agile, quicker off the ball, be able to get off blocks and get to the QB. #9 will definitely help with that.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
#17
#17
Not a very flashy pick, but I think on offense Drew Richmond is the biggest X factor. Him being good (or bad) will affect dobbs, kamara and Hurd. Also if we're talking unpredictable, I think he's the definition of it right now.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 8 people
#20
#20
Dobbs 4 Heisman said:
Can't really call Kahlil an X-factor. I think everyone expects him to be big.

I will go with Corey Vereen. Not many people outside of Knoxville know about him. I could see him getting 8-9 sacks and being an All-SEC performer.
Click to expand...

That LT in Tuscaloosa knows about him. That's why he started carrying a gun in his car.:birgits_giggle:
 
  • Like
Reactions: 3 people
#22
#22
I gotta go with Chandler and kiddiedoc on these. If Richmond lives up to his billing, he makes everyone's job easier. On defense, I know it said player but the dline as a whole can take this team to another level we haven't seen since the 90s.
 
New posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

VN Store



Back
Top