As Vols hit reset in Pruitt’s first year, here are 5 biggest storylines for Tennessee’s spring game
By Dave Hooker
Published:
Tennessee will close spring practice still loaded with plenty of questions when the Orange and White Game takes place Saturday. Change can do that to a program.
The Vols have an entirely new coaching staff, led by first-time head coach Jeremy Pruitt. The Vols will have a far different offensive style. The finesse spread attack is gone. A new, more physical offense is set to take its place. The Vols also will showcase a new defensive plan. UT relied primarily on a 4-2-5 under former coach Butch Jones. That eventually will be replaced by the 3-4 defense that helped Pruitt dominate opponents when he was the defensive coordinator at Alabama.
Here are the five biggest storylines heading into Saturday’s Orange and White Game:
How will the quarterbacks play?
UT’s quarterbacks haven’t exactly received rave reviews during spring camp. However, Jarrett Guarantano has reportedly shown improvement lately. The sophomore had better be as ready as possible considering Keller Chryst is set to arrive as a graduate transfer this summer. There’s a reason the Vols pursued Chryst. Likewise, there is a reason he chose to spend his last season of eligibility at Tennessee. Both sides believe Chryst has a strong chance to play this season and possibly start. Sophomore Will McBride figures to be the backup this fall no matter who secures the starting position.
Will the quarterbacks have time to play?
UT’s offensive line has been a work in progress during spring practice — and that might be a bit too complimentary. As the Vols switch from finesse to power on offense, that begins on the offensive line. The transition was hampered when UT’s best offensive lineman, Trey Smith, was sidelined with an undisclosed medical condition. The sophomore sets the tone in terms of aggressive, physical play on the offensive line. He won’t likely be available Saturday, but he’ll be a valuable addition when preseason camp opens late this summer.
It’s certainly time for Drew Richmond to live up to his billing. Suddenly a junior, Richmond was a key signee for Jones. He had trouble with the transition from right tackle, which he played exclusively in high school, to left tackle. Is he finally comfortable on the left side?
Greg Emerson is an intriguing figure. He was a highly ranked defensive tackle prospect when he signed with UT. Now, the mid-term freshman enrollee has seen time on the offensive line. The move makes sense as Emerson wouldn’t likely be a great fit at nose guard or defensive end in Pruitt’s 3-4 defensive scheme. It’s up to Emerson to willingly accept his new role if that where UT’s coaches decide his future lies.
The underlying issue that might be impossible to overcome this season is UT’s recent recruitment of offensive linemen. Under Jones, the Vols recruited slim, mobile offensive linemen. That is not the kind of linemen Pruitt prefers. Recruiting might be the only way to remedy the situation longterm.
What will UT’s secondary look like?
Other than Nigel Warrior (below), the Vols probably don’t have the kind of defensive back that Pruitt had success with at Bama. Warrior figures to be a leader and physical presence in the defensive backfield. Pruitt’s decision to move mid-term enrollee Alontae Taylor from receiver to cornerback was a bit surprising. Pruitt has said the move isn’t necessarily a permanent one. However, Taylor’s progress and UT’s need for bigger, more physical defensive backs might force Pruitt’s hand.
Who will make some plays?
As noted previously, UT isn’t particularly big. Ready for more bad news? The Vols aren’t particularly fast, especially during spring camp. Marquez Callaway seems like the most likely wideout to turn in a big play or two on Saturday from the receiver position, especially considering Jauan Jennings has been sidelined for spring camp with an injury.
Don’t be surprised if Ty Chandler has a nice day Saturday. He’s a solid tailback. However, there’s no telling who will be his backup this fall so there’s no need to play Chandler too much.
Remember Jonathan Kongbo? Yes, he’s still on the team. Is he ready to live up to fans’ expectations Saturday even though he hasn’t done so throughout his career.
How about Shy Tuttle? He has flashed NFL talent but has been sidelined by various leg injuries. The Vols are hindered at linebacker with Darrin Kirkland Jr. being extremely limited. However, Daniel Bituli has shown some significant ability. Don’t be surprised if he turns in a big play Saturday.
What? A real game? Really?
Pruitt doesn’t seem to be worried about onlookers or the fact that UT’s Orange and White will be televised. Pruitt wants to take advantage of his last spring practice by simulating a game atmosphere. That’s a big change over Pruitt’s predecessor. Jones preferred a collage of situational scrimmage-type plays, one-on-one drills and individual positions challenges. Pruitt’s idea of a spring game should be much more palatable for UT fans.
Dave Hooker started covering Tennessee in 1998. He hosts an SEC radio show out of Chattanooga and covers the SEC for Saturday Down South.
