2014 Projected Offensive Depth Chart:
After struggling to learn and implement coach Jones' "controlled chaos" offensive scheme, the 2014 offense looks to improve as a unit with a full year in the system. Playing fast is a crucial element of Butch Jones' offensive scheme. At times the 2013 offense was able to illustrate the effectiveness of this concept, but consistency and execution need to improve if the 2014 Vols look to earn a bowl bid. Two looming questions about the offense this offseason are: who will be the starting signal caller, and how will OL coach, Don Mahoney, replace his entire veteran offensive line from a year ago. These questions should begin to be answered when spring ball rolls around, but this offseason is vital to the potential success the Tennessee offense has in 2014.
QUARTERBACKS: The QB spot was a major question mark heading into the first season under Butch Jones in 2013. Justin Worley showed signs of improvement before his thumb injury sidelined him for the rest of the 2013 season, which gave true freshman, Josh Dobbs, a chance to show what he can do. Dobbs did fair in his first glimpse of SEC play, but also has room to progress. It will be a heated competition heading into spring ball to see who will step up and take the reigns of this offense in 2014.
- Justin Worley (Sr.) #14 : Worley has not lived up to the hype he generated coming out of high school as the national Gatorade player of the year. He played as a true freshman, but struggled to show consistency early in 2013 as the starter. He did start to improve, but a thumb injury forced him to sit the rest of the season. Hopefully Worley can come back stronger than ever after rehabbing his thumb this offseason. Also, he's had a year to learn and grow comfortable with the system, which could result in faster decision making for Justin, a problem of his last year. Even though Worley lacks a strong arm and struggles to make decisions quickly, he showed enough progression last season before his injury to compete as a senior this year for the starting job. Worley has recovered from his thumb injury better than expected and showed a better command and understanding of the offense this spring. His early production has created a separation between him and Dobbs heading into summer camp for the starting job.
- Josh Dobbs (Soph.) #11 : Dobbs was thrown into the fire last year, but held his own and put up respectable numbers for a kid who was just months out of high school. Dobbs possesses the ability to be a dual-threat guy, but isn't going to make highlight runs with his legs. Even though Dobbs is considered a dual threat guy, he needs to improve his footwork to help give his ball better accuracy and zip this year. He's added weight which was a goal heading into the offseason for him and has been working with QB specialists to improve his game. He has a better arm than Worley, but not as good as Ferguson. This kid is incredibly intelligent (Aeronautical Engineering Major), but needs to translate his academic IQ to a high football IQ as well. It will be interesting to see the steps he's taken when spring ball starts.
RUNNING BACKS: The RB spot is up for grabs with the departure of Rajon Neal to the NFL. Marlin Lane has his shot to step up and take the spot he's battled for the last three years, but the impressive group of incoming freshmen will not let him have it without a fight. Jalen Hurd, Darrell Scott, and Treyvan Paulk all were highly recruited out of high school and are eager to show what they can do.
- Marlin Lane (Sr.) #15 : Lane has experience playing in the SEC over the past three years. His trouble has been with his consistency and distractions off the field. Lane lacks elite top-end speed, but has great vision and makes cuts quickly with force to break arm tackles. He's a good receiving option as well for screens out of the backfield. He needs to improve his leadership, consistency, and blocking ability to enter the 2014 campaign as the starter at RB. He's also struggled with nagging, small injuries which he will need to push through unless he wants to be dethroned by one of the younger guys this year.
- Jalen Hurd (Fr.) #1 : Hurd has volnation buzzing with his natural ability and lofty status coming out of middle TN as an early enrollee in the class of 2014. Hurd has the size (6'3,235) and the speed (4.5) that TN has been lacking for years at the RB position. He is recovering from shoulder surgery, but all reports are that he will be ready to go for spring practice. It will be interesting to see how he stacks up when the pads come on as he's impressed early with his effort and ability in the weight room already. Some people worry Hurd runs too high, but that is a very coachable problem to have. Hurd could be the next great one at RB for the Vols, but only time will tell. This kid is a monster.
- Darrell Scott (Fr.) #28 : Scott was a late addition to the class of 2014 by Robert Gillespie, but a very welcome one. Scott joined the Vols because he sees the opportunity to play early, which he hopes to take advantage of when he arrives early in June. Scott has quick burst, speed, and receiving ability, but needs to add weight and learn to pass protect at the next level to be a consistent player for the Vols going forward. Scott showed he has the talent to compete at a high level in high school, especially in the state championship game where he had 300 yards rushing. Scott will have a chance to play early if he can learn the system and work hard when he arrives on campus this summer.
WIDE RECEIVERS: This position might be the most improved on the team this season. Lack of depth and inexperience crippled this unit in 2013. Marquez North showed he has the ability to be dynamic playmaker for the Vols and Pig Howard stepped up to be a reliable target in the slot as well. Jason Croom needs to mature this year and become the red zone threat the Vols need. Josh Smith and Ryan Jenkins will be healthy this year and have a chance to earn playing time in the slot as both have impressed when healthy. The newcomers: Malone, Pearson, Wharton will all have the chance to make an impact early.
- Marquez North (Soph.) #8 : It took North time last season to learn how to play WR. As a RB primarily in high school he started from scratch learning the basics of the position, but showed improvement throughout the year. He made several spectacular plays (UGA, USC) that gave fans a glimpse of the special talent he possesses. North has been praised for his leadership this offseason in mentoring the new guys and for his own work ethic, which should cause opposing defensive backs to take notice. North has the body (6'4,225), speed, leaping ability, and hands to be an NFL star if he keeps progressing and learns the position. He will start at one of the two outside WR spots for the Vols in the fall and could be an ALL-SEC guy by season's end.
- Josh Malone (Fr.) #3 : Malone is an early enrollee from the 2014 recruiting class who's wasted no time in showing he has come to compete. He's been praised not only for his natural ability, but his understanding of the game for someone so young. In high school, he worked with Buck Fitzgerald and several other VFL who have started a small company to train elite high school kids in the middle TN area to help kids prepare for the next level. Malone will fight for the other outside WR spot opposite North. Malone is a Tennessee native and 5 star recruit coming out of high school. He was a key addition late in the signing period for coach Jones. He has all the tools to be special and could be the next great talent to carry the torch at WRU. He has a similar frame to former Vol WR, Justin Hunter, at 6'3,190. While he might not have the same speed and leaping ability as Hunter at this early stage of his career, Malone is more polished as a WR than Hunter already.
- Von Pearson (Jr.) #9 : Pearson is another early enrollee from the 2014 recruiting class. He arrives to Knoxville from Juco, where he was ranked the #1 player at his position. Pearson will battle with Malone and Croom for the open starting outside WR spot. Pearson has been compared to former Vol, Cordarrelle Patterson, in many ways. Pearson is a more polished WR at this stage than Patterson and doesn't possess the freakish agility and acceleration with the ball in his hands as CP, but that's not a knock against his talent at all. This kid has the potential to be a stud and will play as soon as he learns the offense this year. All reports indicate Pearson is not just a great talent, but a great kid as well which will help him grow as a player faster.
- Pig Howard (Jr.) #2 : Howard had his best season as a Vol last year, his first under coach Jones. He was praised for his leadership and work ethic, which yielded results on the field. However instead of building on that success, Howard is in jeopardy of losing his right to participate in team activities due to off the field issues. He's missed several workouts and rumors of grade concerns also have surrounded Howard this offseason. Hopefully he can get past whatever seems to be dragging him down, because this kid showed his potential last year. It'd be a shame to see him throw it away. If he can get his act together and back into good graces with the coaching staff and his teammates, Howard should be a starter in the slot again this fall for the Vols. He's dynamic with the ball in his hands and shifty in space. He's the kind of playmaker we need in the slot and is also a threat as a runner.
- Jason Croom (RSoph.) #18 : Croom is a physical mismatch for any DB in the country. At 6'5, 235 he's built similarly to former Texas A&M WR, Mike Evans. However, his inconsistency has held him back thus far in his young career. He's had several minor injuries that have hindered his development as well. This year the coaches are looking for Croom to put it all together and become the monster they need in the redzone. He's a bit of a long strider, which causes him to struggle more than most out of his breaks. Croom will battle for the outside WR spot opposite North and be counted on in the two-deep this fall.
- Josh Smith (Soph.) #25 : Smith had an up and down season last year as a true freshman. He played the entire year with a torn meniscus in his knee, which he's had surgery on this offseason. Look for Smith to be a factor in the slot when he's able to resume full activity as this kid can be special in the slot in this offense. Smith has the grit, talent, and toughness to succeed at this level. Smith has good speed and footwork, which allow him to create separation from defenders. Once he can learn route concepts better and become more consistent in catching the ball, Smith will be a reliable weapon for Tennessee QB. Especially if Howard cannot get his shit together this year, Smith will need to grow up in a hurry to take pressure off the outside WR this fall.
- Ryan Jenkins (RFr.) # 5 : Jenkins was generating serious buzz last spring and summer with his practice performance. However, injuries forced him to miss the entire 2013 season but allowed him to redshirt. Jenkins still is suffering from nagging injuries and will likely miss most of spring ball. Jenkins needs to get healthy so the staff can see what he can do on the field. He has the opportunity to earn significant playing time this year if he's able to stay on the field. This kid is a legacy and has the talent to be a strong contributor in this offense as a slot WR, but needs to prove he can withstand the daily grind of SEC football to showcase his ability.
-Devrin Young (Sr.) #19 : The Knoxville native returns for his final year on Rocky Top ready to help the team in anyway he can. He will more than likely earn his spot as the kickoff return man again this year. He has been moved around a little bit this offseason, but with Howard's absence he will more than likely be asked to move back to the slot for spring ball. Young is undersized (5'7,170) but is very shifty and determined. He has struggled with his durability, but hopefully can stay healthy and be a sparkplug for the offense in 2014.
- Vic Wharton (Fr.) #3 : Wharton was the Vols' first commitment in the 2014 recruiting class. He was a vital part of the class' success as a recruiter to his fellow peers. Wharton is a gamer. He has the speed and quickness to be an asset in space in the slot position. He also shows the ability to be a threat in the return game on special teams, which is where he'll likely be used early in his career unless Howard and Jenkins both cannot return to the field. Wharton is a true VFL and will see the field soon enough for the Vols.
TIGHT ENDS: This year's tight end group will have more talent, but also more question marks than last year's unit. Brendan Downs returns as a senior who will be counted on to not only perform consistently, but mentor the younger guys as well. Daniel Helm and Ethan Wolf both arrived early as members of the 2014 recruiting class. They both have the chance to earn playing time this year. AJ Bransiel is back as well and will need to show he's progressed in his second year as a Vol to keep from being outshined by the incoming younger talent.
- Brendan Downs (Sr.) #85 : Downs will be counted on to perform more consistently during his senior season, and second in this offensive scheme. Downs was never really a factor last season as injuries and a new system slowed his progression from 2012. Downs has ideal size (6'4,260) for a TE, but lacks quality athleticism and is more of a blocking asset. He still has the ability to be an underneath safety target with his size, but isn't much of a threat in the slot or going down the seam. Downs will most likely start this year, but his main job needs to be to teach the younger kids how to be an SEC player to enhance their development.
- Daniel Helm (Fr.) #80 : Helm was the #1 TE in the country according to Rivals.com and impressed with his route running and overall receiving ability in many of their camps while in high school. Helm has a great frame (6'4,225), but will need to add weight to be an every down player in the SEC. He will immediately provide a receiving threat and mismatch for the Vols in the passing attack this year, but will not be an every down player until he can add weight to improve his blocking ability. If the coaches feel he isn't where he needs to be in terms of blocking, Helm will more than likely have a package each week specifically for him to utilize both his receiving talents and the match up problems he poses for opposing defenses. Helm has the skills and attitude to be another NFL tight end for the Vols in the future.
- Ethan Wolf (Fr.) #88 : Wolf looks more like an offensive lineman than a TE. He's not chunky or fat, he's just a big kid especially as a true freshman. Another early enrollee, Wolf may grow eventually into an OL as his 6'5,265 frame suggests he can add more mass. While that scenario may be looked at in the future, his current spot is as a TE. Wolf's great size allow him to be a great blocking TE and make plays in the receiving game as well against smaller defenders. While he doesn't have the athleticism that Helm possesses, he's no slouch as a receiving TE necessarily. It will be interesting to see how Wolf is used both immediately and going forward as he starts his career on Rocky Top.
- Neiko Creamer (Fr.) #82 : Creamer is a legacy member of the 2014 class and early enrollee. He's an interesting prospect having played WR in high school. His combination of size, strength, agility, and speed allow him to possibly the most versatile member of this heralded 2014 recruiting class. Creamer is thought by many to get his first shot as an H-back/TE hybrid. He will probably have a package in this role this year to exploit his mismatch capabilities against opposing defenses. Creamer could also wind up on defense as an LB or possibly even at DE depending on depth numbers. He's starting this spring as a reserve LB due to a lack of depth at that position because Bates, Bryant, and Weatherd do not arrive until June. Regardless of where he ends up, Creamer has all the raw skills to be successful as a Vol for several years.
OFFENSIVE LINE: This unit has big shoes to fill both literally and figuratively. The entire starting offensive line from 2013 has left to pursue the NFL. Don Mahoney will earn his paycheck this year having to build an entirely new group with little experience. Marcus Jackson, who redshirted last year to gain an extra year of eligibility, and Mack Crowder both have the most experience heading into 2014. Both players have played sparingly as reserves and spot starters to this point in their careers. Newcomer, Dontavius Blair will be counted on to come in and start at LT right away from Juco. Dylan Weisman showed promise last season as a true freshman and could play one of the OG spots. Austin Sanders, Kyler Kerbyson, and Coleman Thomas will battle for the vacant RT spot.
- Dontavius Blair (Jr.) #74 : Blair arrived as a Juco member and early enrollee in the 2014 recruiting class. At 6'7,310 he has the size of an SEC blindside protector already. He moves well for his size displaying good feet that help him slide out and mirror speed rushers to go with his long arms. He needs to improve his upper body strength to help him develop a better punch and anchor against opposing pass rushers. Tennessee is relying on Blair to step in and fill the spot vacated by NFL hopeful, Tiny Richardson. Blair needs to completely dedicate himself this offseason both in the weight room as well as the film room in order to learn the playbook.
- Marcus Jackson (RJr.) #75 : Jackson was a surprise redshirt recipient a year ago after showing promise as a sophomore in 2012 as a reserve OG. It seems like coach Jones was looking ahead in making that decision to allow Jackson to have two full years to start and provide the offensive line with a talented, experienced player at LG. Although he's not the biggest offensive lineman at 6'1,310, Jackson is one of the strongest guys on the team. He is a road paver in the running game, utilizing his strength to push people around, and he plays with a mean streak as well. Jackson has had a full year to learn the offense, so he should be ready to step in and produce in 2014 at a high level. He will also be counted on to lead this young, inexperienced unit.
- Mack Crowder (RJr.) #52 : Crowder impressed so much last season that he earned playing time with the starting unit. Crowder will be asked to assume a full time starting job in 2014 at center. Crowder knows the offense and has some experience which will help him progress and lead this unit. Crowder is a hard worker who plays very technically sound football. He's a smart kid, which is an asset to have at the center position to help recognize opposing defensive alignments. Crowder might be the most irreplaceable member of this unit due to the importance and difficulty of the center position in this offensive scheme. The Vols will need Crowder stay healthy and pick up where he left off in 2013 to lead this group in 2014.
- Dylan Weisman (Soph.) #71 : Weisman impressed early during his true freshman campaign in 2013. He quickly gained the respect of his teammates and praise from his coaches for his effort and ability to learn quickly. Weisman suffered a few nagging injuries in 2013 which kept him from getting any game experience, but he will push to start at RG in 2014 for the Vols. Weisman will battle for the other guard spot with Kerbyson, which should be a battle all the way until the season begins. Weisman is a big kid (6'5,310) for a guard, but he moves well and is able to lock onto defenders and use his feet to drive them off the ball consistently. With a full year in the program, Weisman should only improve both in his knowledge of the system and his strength as well.
- Kyler Kerbyson (RJr.) #67: Kerbyson is a veteran in the program, but hasn't really gained much field experience due to the amount of NFL talent in front of him during his time at UT. However, that talent has moved onto the NFL ranks and it is now Kyler's chance to show what he can do. He's worked at both RT and OG during his tenure as a Vol, and will probably get a shot to earn both spots before the start of the 2014 season. Most around the program think true freshman, Coleman Thomas, will eventually earn the RT spot, leaving Kerbyson's only shot at starting at RG in a battle with Weisman. Kerbyson is bigger than Weisman (6'3,330) but doesn't show consistency like you'd hope from an upper classmen at this stage.
- Coleman Thomas (Fr.) #55 : Thomas has put on almost 20 pounds since arriving on campus in January as an early enrollee in the 2014 recruiting class. At 6'6,315 Thomas has positioned himself to compete for early playing time at right tackle when spring ball begins. Thomas is a very good athlete for his size, winning defensive MVP as a DE in high school as well as scoring over 1000 points in his basketball career. Thomas will take some lumps as any true freshman would, but the future is very bright for this kid who seems to possibly be a diamond in the rough for this heralded class. Due to his athleticism, he could maybe even slide over to LT if the situation called for it. It will be interesting to see if Thomas can put it all together when the pads come on this spring and take the RT spot as a true freshman.
LT- Dontavius Blair (Jr.) / Austin Sanders (RFr.)
LG- Marcus Jackson (RJr.) / Kyler Kerbyson (RJr.)
C- Mack Crowder (RJr.) / Ray Raulerson (Fr.)
RG- Dylan Weisman (Fr.) / Kyler Kerbyson (RJr.)
RT- Coleman Thomas (Fr.) / Brett Kendrick (RFr.)
TE- Brendan Downs (Sr.) / Daniel Helm (Fr.)
WR- Josh Malone (Fr.) / Von Pearson (Jr.)
WR- Pig Howard (Jr.) / Ryan Jenkins (RFr.) / Josh Smith (Soph.) / Vic Wharton (Fr.)
WR- Marquez North (Soph.) / Jason Croom (RSoph.)
RB- Jalen Hurd (Fr.) / Marlin Lane (Sr.) / Darrell Scott (Fr.)
QB- Justin Worley (Sr.) / Riley Ferguson (RFr.) / Josh Dobbs (Soph.)
K- Aaron Medley (Fr.)
QUARTERBACKS: The QB spot was a major question mark heading into the first season under Butch Jones in 2013. Justin Worley showed signs of improvement before his thumb injury sidelined him for the rest of the 2013 season, which gave true freshman, Josh Dobbs, a chance to show what he can do. Dobbs did fair in his first glimpse of SEC play, but also has room to progress. It will be a heated competition heading into spring ball to see who will step up and take the reigns of this offense in 2014.
- Justin Worley (Sr.) #14 : Worley has not lived up to the hype he generated coming out of high school as the national Gatorade player of the year. He played as a true freshman, but struggled to show consistency early in 2013 as the starter. He did start to improve, but a thumb injury forced him to sit the rest of the season. Hopefully Worley can come back stronger than ever after rehabbing his thumb this offseason. Also, he's had a year to learn and grow comfortable with the system, which could result in faster decision making for Justin, a problem of his last year. Even though Worley lacks a strong arm and struggles to make decisions quickly, he showed enough progression last season before his injury to compete as a senior this year for the starting job. Worley has recovered from his thumb injury better than expected and showed a better command and understanding of the offense this spring. His early production has created a separation between him and Dobbs heading into summer camp for the starting job.
- Josh Dobbs (Soph.) #11 : Dobbs was thrown into the fire last year, but held his own and put up respectable numbers for a kid who was just months out of high school. Dobbs possesses the ability to be a dual-threat guy, but isn't going to make highlight runs with his legs. Even though Dobbs is considered a dual threat guy, he needs to improve his footwork to help give his ball better accuracy and zip this year. He's added weight which was a goal heading into the offseason for him and has been working with QB specialists to improve his game. He has a better arm than Worley, but not as good as Ferguson. This kid is incredibly intelligent (Aeronautical Engineering Major), but needs to translate his academic IQ to a high football IQ as well. It will be interesting to see the steps he's taken when spring ball starts.
RUNNING BACKS: The RB spot is up for grabs with the departure of Rajon Neal to the NFL. Marlin Lane has his shot to step up and take the spot he's battled for the last three years, but the impressive group of incoming freshmen will not let him have it without a fight. Jalen Hurd, Darrell Scott, and Treyvan Paulk all were highly recruited out of high school and are eager to show what they can do.
- Marlin Lane (Sr.) #15 : Lane has experience playing in the SEC over the past three years. His trouble has been with his consistency and distractions off the field. Lane lacks elite top-end speed, but has great vision and makes cuts quickly with force to break arm tackles. He's a good receiving option as well for screens out of the backfield. He needs to improve his leadership, consistency, and blocking ability to enter the 2014 campaign as the starter at RB. He's also struggled with nagging, small injuries which he will need to push through unless he wants to be dethroned by one of the younger guys this year.
- Jalen Hurd (Fr.) #1 : Hurd has volnation buzzing with his natural ability and lofty status coming out of middle TN as an early enrollee in the class of 2014. Hurd has the size (6'3,235) and the speed (4.5) that TN has been lacking for years at the RB position. He is recovering from shoulder surgery, but all reports are that he will be ready to go for spring practice. It will be interesting to see how he stacks up when the pads come on as he's impressed early with his effort and ability in the weight room already. Some people worry Hurd runs too high, but that is a very coachable problem to have. Hurd could be the next great one at RB for the Vols, but only time will tell. This kid is a monster.
- Darrell Scott (Fr.) #28 : Scott was a late addition to the class of 2014 by Robert Gillespie, but a very welcome one. Scott joined the Vols because he sees the opportunity to play early, which he hopes to take advantage of when he arrives early in June. Scott has quick burst, speed, and receiving ability, but needs to add weight and learn to pass protect at the next level to be a consistent player for the Vols going forward. Scott showed he has the talent to compete at a high level in high school, especially in the state championship game where he had 300 yards rushing. Scott will have a chance to play early if he can learn the system and work hard when he arrives on campus this summer.
WIDE RECEIVERS: This position might be the most improved on the team this season. Lack of depth and inexperience crippled this unit in 2013. Marquez North showed he has the ability to be dynamic playmaker for the Vols and Pig Howard stepped up to be a reliable target in the slot as well. Jason Croom needs to mature this year and become the red zone threat the Vols need. Josh Smith and Ryan Jenkins will be healthy this year and have a chance to earn playing time in the slot as both have impressed when healthy. The newcomers: Malone, Pearson, Wharton will all have the chance to make an impact early.
- Marquez North (Soph.) #8 : It took North time last season to learn how to play WR. As a RB primarily in high school he started from scratch learning the basics of the position, but showed improvement throughout the year. He made several spectacular plays (UGA, USC) that gave fans a glimpse of the special talent he possesses. North has been praised for his leadership this offseason in mentoring the new guys and for his own work ethic, which should cause opposing defensive backs to take notice. North has the body (6'4,225), speed, leaping ability, and hands to be an NFL star if he keeps progressing and learns the position. He will start at one of the two outside WR spots for the Vols in the fall and could be an ALL-SEC guy by season's end.
- Josh Malone (Fr.) #3 : Malone is an early enrollee from the 2014 recruiting class who's wasted no time in showing he has come to compete. He's been praised not only for his natural ability, but his understanding of the game for someone so young. In high school, he worked with Buck Fitzgerald and several other VFL who have started a small company to train elite high school kids in the middle TN area to help kids prepare for the next level. Malone will fight for the other outside WR spot opposite North. Malone is a Tennessee native and 5 star recruit coming out of high school. He was a key addition late in the signing period for coach Jones. He has all the tools to be special and could be the next great talent to carry the torch at WRU. He has a similar frame to former Vol WR, Justin Hunter, at 6'3,190. While he might not have the same speed and leaping ability as Hunter at this early stage of his career, Malone is more polished as a WR than Hunter already.
- Von Pearson (Jr.) #9 : Pearson is another early enrollee from the 2014 recruiting class. He arrives to Knoxville from Juco, where he was ranked the #1 player at his position. Pearson will battle with Malone and Croom for the open starting outside WR spot. Pearson has been compared to former Vol, Cordarrelle Patterson, in many ways. Pearson is a more polished WR at this stage than Patterson and doesn't possess the freakish agility and acceleration with the ball in his hands as CP, but that's not a knock against his talent at all. This kid has the potential to be a stud and will play as soon as he learns the offense this year. All reports indicate Pearson is not just a great talent, but a great kid as well which will help him grow as a player faster.
- Pig Howard (Jr.) #2 : Howard had his best season as a Vol last year, his first under coach Jones. He was praised for his leadership and work ethic, which yielded results on the field. However instead of building on that success, Howard is in jeopardy of losing his right to participate in team activities due to off the field issues. He's missed several workouts and rumors of grade concerns also have surrounded Howard this offseason. Hopefully he can get past whatever seems to be dragging him down, because this kid showed his potential last year. It'd be a shame to see him throw it away. If he can get his act together and back into good graces with the coaching staff and his teammates, Howard should be a starter in the slot again this fall for the Vols. He's dynamic with the ball in his hands and shifty in space. He's the kind of playmaker we need in the slot and is also a threat as a runner.
- Jason Croom (RSoph.) #18 : Croom is a physical mismatch for any DB in the country. At 6'5, 235 he's built similarly to former Texas A&M WR, Mike Evans. However, his inconsistency has held him back thus far in his young career. He's had several minor injuries that have hindered his development as well. This year the coaches are looking for Croom to put it all together and become the monster they need in the redzone. He's a bit of a long strider, which causes him to struggle more than most out of his breaks. Croom will battle for the outside WR spot opposite North and be counted on in the two-deep this fall.
- Josh Smith (Soph.) #25 : Smith had an up and down season last year as a true freshman. He played the entire year with a torn meniscus in his knee, which he's had surgery on this offseason. Look for Smith to be a factor in the slot when he's able to resume full activity as this kid can be special in the slot in this offense. Smith has the grit, talent, and toughness to succeed at this level. Smith has good speed and footwork, which allow him to create separation from defenders. Once he can learn route concepts better and become more consistent in catching the ball, Smith will be a reliable weapon for Tennessee QB. Especially if Howard cannot get his shit together this year, Smith will need to grow up in a hurry to take pressure off the outside WR this fall.
- Ryan Jenkins (RFr.) # 5 : Jenkins was generating serious buzz last spring and summer with his practice performance. However, injuries forced him to miss the entire 2013 season but allowed him to redshirt. Jenkins still is suffering from nagging injuries and will likely miss most of spring ball. Jenkins needs to get healthy so the staff can see what he can do on the field. He has the opportunity to earn significant playing time this year if he's able to stay on the field. This kid is a legacy and has the talent to be a strong contributor in this offense as a slot WR, but needs to prove he can withstand the daily grind of SEC football to showcase his ability.
-Devrin Young (Sr.) #19 : The Knoxville native returns for his final year on Rocky Top ready to help the team in anyway he can. He will more than likely earn his spot as the kickoff return man again this year. He has been moved around a little bit this offseason, but with Howard's absence he will more than likely be asked to move back to the slot for spring ball. Young is undersized (5'7,170) but is very shifty and determined. He has struggled with his durability, but hopefully can stay healthy and be a sparkplug for the offense in 2014.
- Vic Wharton (Fr.) #3 : Wharton was the Vols' first commitment in the 2014 recruiting class. He was a vital part of the class' success as a recruiter to his fellow peers. Wharton is a gamer. He has the speed and quickness to be an asset in space in the slot position. He also shows the ability to be a threat in the return game on special teams, which is where he'll likely be used early in his career unless Howard and Jenkins both cannot return to the field. Wharton is a true VFL and will see the field soon enough for the Vols.
TIGHT ENDS: This year's tight end group will have more talent, but also more question marks than last year's unit. Brendan Downs returns as a senior who will be counted on to not only perform consistently, but mentor the younger guys as well. Daniel Helm and Ethan Wolf both arrived early as members of the 2014 recruiting class. They both have the chance to earn playing time this year. AJ Bransiel is back as well and will need to show he's progressed in his second year as a Vol to keep from being outshined by the incoming younger talent.
- Brendan Downs (Sr.) #85 : Downs will be counted on to perform more consistently during his senior season, and second in this offensive scheme. Downs was never really a factor last season as injuries and a new system slowed his progression from 2012. Downs has ideal size (6'4,260) for a TE, but lacks quality athleticism and is more of a blocking asset. He still has the ability to be an underneath safety target with his size, but isn't much of a threat in the slot or going down the seam. Downs will most likely start this year, but his main job needs to be to teach the younger kids how to be an SEC player to enhance their development.
- Daniel Helm (Fr.) #80 : Helm was the #1 TE in the country according to Rivals.com and impressed with his route running and overall receiving ability in many of their camps while in high school. Helm has a great frame (6'4,225), but will need to add weight to be an every down player in the SEC. He will immediately provide a receiving threat and mismatch for the Vols in the passing attack this year, but will not be an every down player until he can add weight to improve his blocking ability. If the coaches feel he isn't where he needs to be in terms of blocking, Helm will more than likely have a package each week specifically for him to utilize both his receiving talents and the match up problems he poses for opposing defenses. Helm has the skills and attitude to be another NFL tight end for the Vols in the future.
- Ethan Wolf (Fr.) #88 : Wolf looks more like an offensive lineman than a TE. He's not chunky or fat, he's just a big kid especially as a true freshman. Another early enrollee, Wolf may grow eventually into an OL as his 6'5,265 frame suggests he can add more mass. While that scenario may be looked at in the future, his current spot is as a TE. Wolf's great size allow him to be a great blocking TE and make plays in the receiving game as well against smaller defenders. While he doesn't have the athleticism that Helm possesses, he's no slouch as a receiving TE necessarily. It will be interesting to see how Wolf is used both immediately and going forward as he starts his career on Rocky Top.
- Neiko Creamer (Fr.) #82 : Creamer is a legacy member of the 2014 class and early enrollee. He's an interesting prospect having played WR in high school. His combination of size, strength, agility, and speed allow him to possibly the most versatile member of this heralded 2014 recruiting class. Creamer is thought by many to get his first shot as an H-back/TE hybrid. He will probably have a package in this role this year to exploit his mismatch capabilities against opposing defenses. Creamer could also wind up on defense as an LB or possibly even at DE depending on depth numbers. He's starting this spring as a reserve LB due to a lack of depth at that position because Bates, Bryant, and Weatherd do not arrive until June. Regardless of where he ends up, Creamer has all the raw skills to be successful as a Vol for several years.
OFFENSIVE LINE: This unit has big shoes to fill both literally and figuratively. The entire starting offensive line from 2013 has left to pursue the NFL. Don Mahoney will earn his paycheck this year having to build an entirely new group with little experience. Marcus Jackson, who redshirted last year to gain an extra year of eligibility, and Mack Crowder both have the most experience heading into 2014. Both players have played sparingly as reserves and spot starters to this point in their careers. Newcomer, Dontavius Blair will be counted on to come in and start at LT right away from Juco. Dylan Weisman showed promise last season as a true freshman and could play one of the OG spots. Austin Sanders, Kyler Kerbyson, and Coleman Thomas will battle for the vacant RT spot.
- Dontavius Blair (Jr.) #74 : Blair arrived as a Juco member and early enrollee in the 2014 recruiting class. At 6'7,310 he has the size of an SEC blindside protector already. He moves well for his size displaying good feet that help him slide out and mirror speed rushers to go with his long arms. He needs to improve his upper body strength to help him develop a better punch and anchor against opposing pass rushers. Tennessee is relying on Blair to step in and fill the spot vacated by NFL hopeful, Tiny Richardson. Blair needs to completely dedicate himself this offseason both in the weight room as well as the film room in order to learn the playbook.
- Marcus Jackson (RJr.) #75 : Jackson was a surprise redshirt recipient a year ago after showing promise as a sophomore in 2012 as a reserve OG. It seems like coach Jones was looking ahead in making that decision to allow Jackson to have two full years to start and provide the offensive line with a talented, experienced player at LG. Although he's not the biggest offensive lineman at 6'1,310, Jackson is one of the strongest guys on the team. He is a road paver in the running game, utilizing his strength to push people around, and he plays with a mean streak as well. Jackson has had a full year to learn the offense, so he should be ready to step in and produce in 2014 at a high level. He will also be counted on to lead this young, inexperienced unit.
- Mack Crowder (RJr.) #52 : Crowder impressed so much last season that he earned playing time with the starting unit. Crowder will be asked to assume a full time starting job in 2014 at center. Crowder knows the offense and has some experience which will help him progress and lead this unit. Crowder is a hard worker who plays very technically sound football. He's a smart kid, which is an asset to have at the center position to help recognize opposing defensive alignments. Crowder might be the most irreplaceable member of this unit due to the importance and difficulty of the center position in this offensive scheme. The Vols will need Crowder stay healthy and pick up where he left off in 2013 to lead this group in 2014.
- Dylan Weisman (Soph.) #71 : Weisman impressed early during his true freshman campaign in 2013. He quickly gained the respect of his teammates and praise from his coaches for his effort and ability to learn quickly. Weisman suffered a few nagging injuries in 2013 which kept him from getting any game experience, but he will push to start at RG in 2014 for the Vols. Weisman will battle for the other guard spot with Kerbyson, which should be a battle all the way until the season begins. Weisman is a big kid (6'5,310) for a guard, but he moves well and is able to lock onto defenders and use his feet to drive them off the ball consistently. With a full year in the program, Weisman should only improve both in his knowledge of the system and his strength as well.
- Kyler Kerbyson (RJr.) #67: Kerbyson is a veteran in the program, but hasn't really gained much field experience due to the amount of NFL talent in front of him during his time at UT. However, that talent has moved onto the NFL ranks and it is now Kyler's chance to show what he can do. He's worked at both RT and OG during his tenure as a Vol, and will probably get a shot to earn both spots before the start of the 2014 season. Most around the program think true freshman, Coleman Thomas, will eventually earn the RT spot, leaving Kerbyson's only shot at starting at RG in a battle with Weisman. Kerbyson is bigger than Weisman (6'3,330) but doesn't show consistency like you'd hope from an upper classmen at this stage.
- Coleman Thomas (Fr.) #55 : Thomas has put on almost 20 pounds since arriving on campus in January as an early enrollee in the 2014 recruiting class. At 6'6,315 Thomas has positioned himself to compete for early playing time at right tackle when spring ball begins. Thomas is a very good athlete for his size, winning defensive MVP as a DE in high school as well as scoring over 1000 points in his basketball career. Thomas will take some lumps as any true freshman would, but the future is very bright for this kid who seems to possibly be a diamond in the rough for this heralded class. Due to his athleticism, he could maybe even slide over to LT if the situation called for it. It will be interesting to see if Thomas can put it all together when the pads come on this spring and take the RT spot as a true freshman.
LT- Dontavius Blair (Jr.) / Austin Sanders (RFr.)
LG- Marcus Jackson (RJr.) / Kyler Kerbyson (RJr.)
C- Mack Crowder (RJr.) / Ray Raulerson (Fr.)
RG- Dylan Weisman (Fr.) / Kyler Kerbyson (RJr.)
RT- Coleman Thomas (Fr.) / Brett Kendrick (RFr.)
TE- Brendan Downs (Sr.) / Daniel Helm (Fr.)
WR- Josh Malone (Fr.) / Von Pearson (Jr.)
WR- Pig Howard (Jr.) / Ryan Jenkins (RFr.) / Josh Smith (Soph.) / Vic Wharton (Fr.)
WR- Marquez North (Soph.) / Jason Croom (RSoph.)
RB- Jalen Hurd (Fr.) / Marlin Lane (Sr.) / Darrell Scott (Fr.)
QB- Justin Worley (Sr.) / Riley Ferguson (RFr.) / Josh Dobbs (Soph.)
K- Aaron Medley (Fr.)
Alton "Pig" Howard Jalen Hurd Josh Dobbs Justin Worley