Will our athletes be able to overcome our lack of depth?

#26
#26
hondac said:
If Tennessee does not perform well against WV on offense (especially the run game), then it will be a LONG
season.
Click to expand...

Agree....if we can't run against WV, Auburn, Georgia and Alabama will be very ugly.
Not meant as a slam on WVa - they just don't have the defensive fronts like those other teams do. They do have and eXcellent secondary so they will be able to put more bodies in the box.
 
#27
#27
Yeah. "Depth" is one of those words that is ill-defined. Every time someone says it, they mean something a little bit different.

In pure, clean terms, depth = number of bodies. If you have 9 or more guys who are suited up to fill thee three WR spots, you have very good depth.

But then, when some people say "depth," they mean "scholarship depth." They don't accept, and won't count, walk-ons. Only counts if we think enough of the kid that we're covering his tuitition. Paul Bain be damned.

And some people mean "experience" when they say "depth." As in, a freshman doesn't count for depth, because he hasn't yet bulked up in our S&C program, hasn't had a year to really get to know the system.

Then, some folks mash it all together and mean all of that. "Depth" for them is really "talented, experienced, game-changing 2nd and 3rd stringers."

For those last folks, very few teams ever have enough depth, at any position.

It's a very confusing word, considering how simple it starts out.
 
#28
#28
This is why we need to get up early. We are going to have mental (and physical) lapses as the players get tired. Between the heat and WV's likely game plan to stretch the field, which will have our DBs and LBs running a lot, they WILL get tired and start making mistakes. if we can get up, it will make it easier to absorb those than if we are neck and neck throughout the game. Based on what I saw last year, I do not have much faith in anything beyond the first team. I also do not trust either of the quarterbacks to lead us on a game winning drive (i.e. run a 2 minute offense well) at this point.
 
#29
#29
10acvols said:
I know we're young in most positions, but IMO our youth in the secondary and OL concern me the most.

First, I really think if we can play man to man well enough to limit big plays our OLB's are good enough to beat WV in space and pressure WG.

Next will be to pound the rock. Even though, IMO we have an OL with reliable starters, without a healthy rotation, finishing strong will be a problem.
Click to expand...
What do you mean by "young" and how does UT compare to most other teams in regards to youth and depth?

On the OL, only Carvin shows as a Fr in the two deep. For the most part... it is probably good that the sophs and jrs didn't have more time learning Jones' "techniques". But your starters right now appear to be Smith, some combination of a RS So/RS Jr/Sr at OG, Kennedy (RS Jr) at C, and Richmond at the other OT. Pruitt clearly stated that besides the starters other OL's would play because they've earned it. A thin, young OL is what UT had in 2009, 2010, 2014,... this OL is not extraordinarily young or thin.

UT is neither young nor thin at safety. It may be the deepest position group on the team.

CB is partly a product of being a little thin and mostly a product of what Pruitt wants his CB's to "look like". Even then, a couple of safeties can slide over if necessary. The first 4 appear to be two Fr and two Jrs. The Fr have apparently impressed Pruitt. Add to that... he's focused specifically on that group which just happens to be his particular position of greatest expertise and success.


As for the last part, most teams do not rotate OL's extensively. Again according to Pruitt, he has guys who will play because they've earned time with the 1's.
 
#31
#31
One change that HAS TO HAPPEN is to set the offensive line positions and let the players grow in their roles. The last thing that we need is a revolving door of offensive linemen that change positions within the line every week or even during the game. Some of those decisions were based on injury, but I with the addition of Trey Smith and our returning starter experience, we have the opportunity to settle along the line. Defensive lines rotate on all good teams. Fresh legs and hungry young player can make up for some of the talent deficit between the 1's, 2's and 3's. I am not comfortable with our depth in the defensive backfield, but that's CJP's strong suit so hopefully he can develope players and coach them up. He has moved some players around, and I think that's for the best. CBJ was not known for getting the most out of his players because he would not use the talent on his roster efficiently.
 
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#32
#32
Even Butch was able to get us by Ga Tech in last seasons opener. Ain't no way WV could have done that then or now!

Those Mountaineers ain't gonna know what hit'em!

ITS ABOUT TIME! GO VOLS!
 
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