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Tennessee reveals Week 1 depth chart, includes interesting receiver designations
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Tennessee football released its official Week 1 depth chart for the Vols’ Nashville opener against Virginia this Saturday.
True to form, there were quite a few “ORS” that could make an appearance on Saturday. On a serious note, sprinkled within the depth chart are a few interesting designations heading into kickoff of Year 3 of the Josh Heupel Era.
First, let’s take a look at the chart given to media members at Monday’s midday press conference.
?Tennessee’s Week 1 depth chart ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/rgqWSuMi6L
— Ben McKee (@benmckee14) August 28, 2023
Noticeably, a good portion of the defense seems to be set heading into Week 1, especially on the line. Omari Thomas, Roman Harrison and both linebackers Keenan Pili and Aaron Beasley were expected to win these jobs outright, so no huge surprise there. Same goes for Tamarion McDonald at star and Wesley Walker/Jaylen McCollough in the safety spots.
It seems some battles are still ongoing in the cornerbacks room and all along the offensive line apart from center Cooper Mays (whose injury status is uncertain for Week 1) and Javontez Spraggins at RG.
It’s not groundbreaking or anything, but the most interesting nugget on the depth chart comes with the WRs. For one, Squirrell White has been listed as the primary target out of the slot instead of Dont’e Thornton. However, expect both to get strong run against the Cavaliers.
Heupel also mentioned that Tennessee has 6 receivers that it has high confidence in heading into Week 1, those being Bru McCoy, White, Thornton, Ramel Keyton and redshirt freshmen Kaleb Webb and Chas Nimrod.
Heupel mentions six receivers that Tennessee has a lot of confidence in to play at a high level.
The four we expect to see a ton of (Thornton, McCoy, Keyton, White) and sophomores Kaleb Webb and Chas Nimrod.
— Ryan Schumpert (@rschump00) August 28, 2023
The Vols kick off their 2023 season against Virginia on Sept. 2 at Noon in Nashville, eastern time. The game will be aired on ABC.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
