2018 Recap:
In the first year with Jeremy Pruitt in charge, the Vols finished with a weak 5-7 record (2-6 SEC) to finish last in the SEC East. They were, however, able to play spoiler during the season as they were able to upset rivals Auburn and Kentucky.
Prestige Ranking (for a theoretical NCAA Football 20): 3 Stars
This is because of tradition. The NCAA games would always have higher rankings for the historical teams that stink.
Key Players on Offense:
- QB: Jarrett Guarantano
- RB: Ty Chandler
- RB: Tim Jordan
- WR: Marquez Callaway
- WR: Jauan Jennings
- WR: Josh Palmer
- TE: Dominick Wood-Anderson
- OL: Jahmir Johnson
- OL: Brandon Kennedy
Guarantano is a red-shirt junior who will look to make that big leap this season. Last year, he only threw for 1,907 yards and 12 TDs. The best part of his game is his ball security. He only turned the ball over three times last season.
One of the Vols biggest problems is with their skill positions. Jordan was only able to rack-up 522 yards and three touchdowns last season. But like Guarantano, he was able to hold on to the ball as he had zero fumbles last season.
Offensive Player to Watch: Marquez Callaway
Callaway is a senior wide receiver who excels in play-making. He will be the Vols WR1 and punt/kick returner. Watch out for him to make the big plays this season.
Key Players Defense
- DT: Emmit Gooden
- DE: Savion Williams
- LB: Daniel Bituli
- LB: Darrell Taylor
- S: Nigel Warrior
One of the most interesting stats I can find shows how bad this Vols defense is. On “Passing Downs” (downs with more than five yards to go). The Vols ranked 78th in the country. This doesn’t make their points per game rank (97) look any better.
To have any success this season, they will need to rely on their veteran players. Gooden, Bituli, and Warrior need to step up and lead a very bad defense this season.
The good news is that the Vols are young. They have young players who have full years of experience. With the number 12 ranked recruiting class last season, the Vols will turn to their youth to jumpstart a rebuild of one of the most historic programs in college football. It all starts with the defense.
Special Teams
- P: Joe Doyle
- K: Brent Cimagila
Key Loss: DL Kyle Phillips
The Vols best DL was lost via the NFL last season. For a team that had such a bad pass-rush, this should be a big blow. However, the upside is you now have fresh youth that could spark a brand new culture for the Vols.
Key Addition: OL Darnell Wright
The 10th ranked recruit in the 2019 class, Wright will come in and immediately help a bad Vols offense. Giving his quarterback more time to throw will be key for the Vols to really open up that offense, especially with a quarterback that does not turn the ball over
Alcohol Prediction: Jack and Coke
Jack Daniels is the obvious choice here, but you can’t have a Jack without the coke. It even says Tennesse Whisky on the bottle. This is the slam dunk choice.
Wins the SEC If…
Other than a miracle, the Vols will win the SEC if their recruiting class lives up to its rank…and then some.
Season Outlook
It won’t be good. This is year “zero” of the rebuild. You have all the young, talented recruits. Now its time to get them some experience and open up the program to more top recruits down the line. For now, you have to trust the process. Rome was not built in a day.
Record: 6-6