TENNESSEE SOPHOMORE QB JOSHUA DOBBS

Stats: 96-of-156, 61.5 percent, 1,077 passing yards, 8 passing TDs, 5 INTs, 11 sacks, 130.0 rating

Big-time game: Dobbs burst onto the scene this season against South Carolina. He completed 23-of-40 for 301 yards with two touchdowns and one pick. He also ran 24 times for 166 yards and another three touchdowns.

Not his best effort: Vanderbilt was not his best game. He was 11-of-20 for only 92 yards with no touchdowns and two picks. He did have two rushing touchdowns and Tennessee held on for a win, but it wasn’t pretty.

Improvements: He’s a really bright kid with a really bright future. I think he just needs to gain more playing experience. Dobbs has the confidence, the talent, and the Vols are really stepping up their recruiting efforts to surround him with talented players. They absolutely need to get an offensive line together.

Strengths: He has so much talent and such a good head on his shoulders. His strength has to be between the ears. He has the size, arm talent, and the mobility to be a star in the SEC.

Weakness: I couldn’t really see any weaknesses other than his inexperience. We’ll all find out a lot more next year when he is QB1 and every team game plans for him. It’s a lot different when there’s a target on your back, but I think Dobbs can absolutely handle that. He probably can add a few more pounds to his slim frame as well. As much as he runs and as porous as the offensive line was, he will need to add some weight to handle the hits.

Overall: In the five games in which Dobbs played, you could see the talent. The future is definitely bright for him and for the Volunteers program. They will need to keep surrounding him with talent and get him a solid offensive line, because this kid can definitely play some football.