Josh Heupel addresses fan question asking why returner Dee Williams is not involved offensively
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Josh Heupel has fielded the question before.
And it was thrown his way almost immediately at the Knoxville Quarterback Club luncheon Monday afternoon. Something to the effect of “why doesn’t Dee Williams see snaps on offense?”
It’s a valid question. Williams has shown a special shiftiness with the ball in his hand. The Vols’ reserve defensive back and star kick returner has been proving that all season. He housed a punt that was called back against South Carolina for a block in the back that occurred far from Williams’ jaunt to the end zone.
Still can’t believe this got called back… pic.twitter.com/3Mm3UU0fzc
— Eric™️ (@Eric_Taylor21) October 1, 2023
That speed and ability with the football in his hands deserves a spot on the offense, maybe with some motion? Well, it may not be that simple. With Tennessee’s tempo, a special package reserved for Williams alone may bring up some logistical concerns with substitutions.
Here’s Heupel’s answer on the fan’s question, via the Knoxville News Sentinel:
“Dee is special, man,” Heupel said. “There’s a lot of pieces that go into being able to play within our offense and the structure and the tempo of it. He is a special playmaker. We’ve got to continue to find ways to help him make a difference in the football game.”
Does that mean he’ll see offensive snaps this year, especially with Bru McCoy out for the season? Maybe, maybe not. But this answer doesn’t rule it out, either.
The Vols offense is going to have to adjust to a lack of McCoy. His numbers don’t jump out, but his importance in blocking for WR screens certainly is. He was also the Vols’ most physical receiver and a legitimate downfield threat.
That’s not just something the Vols can move on from easily, even if it may seem easy to think otherwise. We’ll see if Williams is any part of the offensive game plan moving forward soon enough, but with Heupel’s reluctance thus far when fielding the question don’t expect it any time soon.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
