KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — It’s always interesting to see what is in store for a team immediately following the end of a season with the next season nine months away.
Signing day, spring practices and summer workouts are in between now and when Team 121 takes the field Labor Day night against Georgia Tech in Atlanta at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Without question, 2017 will be a critical year for Butch Jones, as he leads the program in his fifth season.
Normally, the fourth year is a coach’s measuring year – a year of approval for job performance.
A lot of good has taken place since his arrival, but Team 120 didn’t reach its lofty preseason goals.
He brings back-to-back nine-win seasons into 2017, the first time that’s happened since 2006 and 2007. Jones also has won three consecutive bowl games, the first time that has been accomplished since 1994-1996.
The Vols will not be SEC East favorites like they were following SEC Media Days last July, but that does not mean you can count the Vols out in 2017.
Staff changes have already taken place days following the Music City Bowl victory over Nebraska, the first win over the Cornhuskers in program history. Offensive coordinator Mike DeBord left Tennessee to take the same position at Indiana, a job that is closer to home.
Staff changes are a healthy thing and will suit Jones well after a hard look within the staff is warranted after the 2016 season.
Where does the roster stand?
The way-too-early look shows there are several good players returning and depth shouldn’t be an issue.
The most glaring hole is quarterback, where three quarterbacks will compete to replace Joshua Dobbs.
Redshirt freshman Jarrett Guarantano, junior Quinten Dormady and redshirt sophomore Sheriron Jones will battle in spring practices. This quarterback derby will be Jones’ most intriguing since 2013, when Justin Worley, Dobbs and Riley Ferguson all competed.
The running back unit loses Alvin Kamara early to the NFL, but has stability, starting with junior John Kelly. Kelly rushed for 630 yards in 2016, easing his way into a more productive role as Jalen Hurd departed and Kamara dealt with injuries. Carlin Fils-aime returns as a true sophomore and after gaining valuable reps sparingly throughout 2016. Ty Chandler will join the running back unit from the recruiting trail and has an opportunity to become an early factor.
The receiver position takes a hit in losing Josh Malone early to the NFL. Malone was Dobbs’ top target, but his departure allows the new quarterback to develop a connection with any of the other receivers. Jauan Jennings will return as the leading receiver after reeling in 40 receptions, 580 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Rising sophomores Tyler Byrd, Brandon Johnson and Marquez Callaway will accompany senior Josh Smith and Jeff George to round out the receiving unit.
The Vols will return a well-rounded tight end in Ethan Wolf, who has produced 67 receptions for 750 yards and has scored four touchdowns in his first three seasons on top of being a valuable presence in run-blocking schemes. The graduating Jason Croom departs, leaving Jakob Johnson and Eli Wolf to follow on the depth chart as of now.
The offensive line should be better and more experienced. Brett Kendrick and Drew Richmond make up the left tackle position and will have early enrollee freshman Trey Smith, a 5-star recruit, come in and go through spring practices. Coleman Thomas will return at center and Jack Jones, Jashon Robertson and Venzell Boulware at guard. Chance Hall and Marcus Tatum will fill the right tackle position. Ryan Johnson will also provide depth at tackle in 2017.
The defensive line loses the all-time Tennessee career sack leader in Derek Barnett, but defensive coordinator Bob Shoop will have Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle returning from injury. Spring practices will continue to help Jonathan Kongbo get accustomed to the defensive tackle position.
The linebacker unit will be worth watching. Who will develop behind Darrin Kirkland, Jr.? Colton Jumper, Quart’e Sapp, Daniel Bituli, Cortez McDowell, Elliott Berry and Dillon Bates will have an opportunity to impress.
One early enrollee is freshman Shanon Reid, who could see time in the defensive backfield as well. Others competing in the secondary will be Emmanuel Mosely, Marquill Osborne, Baylen Buchanan, Justin Martin at corner back, Rashaan Gaulden at nickelback, Todd Kelly Jr., Stephen Griffin, Micah Abernathy, Evan Berry, Nigel Warrior at safety.
As for specialists, Team 121 brings back a pair seniors in kicker Aaron Medley and punter Trevor Daniel.
Here’s a look at the projected depth chart:
Depth chart
QB
Quinten Dormady (Jr)
Jarrett Guarantano (RFr)
RB
John Kelly (Jr)
Carlin Fils-aime (So)
WR
Josh Smith (Sr)
Jauan Jennings (Jr)
Marquez Callaway (So)
Tyler Byrd (So)
Brandon Johnson (So)
TE
Ethan Wolf (Sr)
Jakob Johnson (Sr)
Eli Wolf (So)
LT
Brett Kendrick (Sr)
Drew Richmond (RSo)
Trey Smith (Fr)
LG
Jashon Robertson (Sr)
Venzell Boulware (RSo)
C
Coleman Thomas (Sr)
RG
Jack Jones (Jr)
RT
Chance Hall (Jr)
Marcus Tatum (So)
Ryan Johnson (RFr)
DE
Kyle Phillips (Jr)
Darrell Taylor (RSo)
DT
Kendal Vickers (Sr)
Kahlil McKenzie (Jr)
DT
Shy Tuttle (Jr)
Quay Picou (Jr)
Alexis Johnson (Sr)
DE
Jonathan Kongbo (RJr)
Dimarya Mixon (Sr)
LB
Darrin Kirkland Jr. (Jr)
Cortez McDowell (Sr)
Elliott Berry (Sr)
LB
Colton Jumper (Sr)
Quart’e Sapp (RSo)
Daniel Bituli (So)
CB
Emmanuel Moseley (Sr)
Marquill Osborne (So)
CB
Baylen Buchanan (So)
Justin Martin (Sr)
NB
Rashaan Gaulden (RJr)
S
Todd Kelly Jr. (Sr)
Stephen Griffin (Jr)
S
Micah Abernathy (Jr)
Evan Berry (Sr)
Nigel Warrior (So)
K
Aaron Medley (Sr)
P
Trevor Daniel (Sr)
Dan Harralson covers Tennessee football for SaturdayDownSouth.com. Follow Dan on Twitter @danharralson.
