Without question the biggest question mark facing Tennessee heading into the 2016 season is the Vols’ ability to stretch opposing defenses and consistently complete passes at least 20 yards down the field. Despite finishing with a 9-4 mark in 2015, the Vols only managed to five passing plays of 40 or more yards – something only three SEC teams failed to accomplish last season.
If Tennessee has any hopes of challenging the school’s record in rushing yards for a season, senior quarterback Joshua Dobbs and the Vols receivers will need to drastically increase their downfield production.
According to Chris Low of ESPN, Tennessee is well aware of the issues facing its offense and will be working hard to correct them in order to live up to the offseason hype. In fact, head coach Butch Jones made it clear to Low that one of the team’s ’emphasis in 2016′ would be on improving that aspect of the offense.
Butch Jones told me an emphasis in 2016 will be making more plays on 50-50 balls down the field and being better after the catch.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) July 31, 2016
While Dobbs has been far from consistent when throwing the ball during his Tennessee career, the blame for the Vols’ lack of production doesn’t solely fall on his shoulders. Last season’s receiving corp was decimated down the stretch of the season, leaving the team without many healthy playmakers on the outside. After losing players responsible for only 65 catches last season, UT returners had 155 catches in 2015 alone and look to be aided by several new contributors.
Former five-star recruit Josh Malone is now a junior, sophomore Preston Williams and 6-foot-6 junior college transfer Jeff George both looked outstanding in the Orange & White spring game, junior Josh Smith may be the most underrated player on the roster and sophomore Jauan Jennings has shown real promise and is only entering his second season as a receiver after converting from quarterback last season. Meanwhile at the criminally underused tight end position, junior Ethan Wolf and senior converted receiver Jason Croom should also factor into an improved passing game on Rocky Top.
Add true freshmen receivers Tyler Byrd, Brandon Johnson, Marquez Callaway and Latrell Williams to the mix and the Vols should have plenty of bodies to fill out the roster at the position even after the taxing SEC grind. Echoing what many Tennessee insiders have been saying for weeks, Low mentions Byrd and Johnson as two players who could make an impact early as true freshmen.
Butch Jones is looking for WRs who win more 1-on-1 battles and stretch the field. Keep an eye on freshmen Tyler Byrd and Brandon Johnson.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) July 31, 2016
All the pieces are in place for Tennessee to have a vastly improved passing attack this season. If it happens, expect the Vols to be playing in Atlanta come December. If not, there won’t be many valid excuses for Butch Jones and company to fall back on this time around.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com