Everything seems to be in place for a magical season at Tennessee in 2016. The defense looks dangerous at every level. On offense, they have the veteran quarterback (Joshua Dobbs) two stud running backs (Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara) and an offensive line that should be very good.

The Volunteers are favorites to win the SEC East. And they’re so good, they may not stop there. There’s no reason to think they can’t win an SEC championship and reach the playoffs for the first time. It’s a distinct possibility in Knoxville.

They’re that good. And that proven.

Except for one thing.

There is one position group where the jury is still out. That’s at wide receiver, where talent dots the roster but sound results on the field have yet to happen with regularity. If the Vols want to get fitted for rings, it’s this group that needs to step up and out-do what it accomplished in 2015, which, to be frank, was a bit of a disappointment. Injuries had a lot to do with that, of course, but at some point, someone needs to step up and make a play.

Veterans Josh Malone and Josh Smith have started a combined 30 games but they haven’t had the huge breakout careers that were expected of them. When Malone made some big plays late in the year last season, it showed that maybe he’s still going to be the guy who makes it big.

There’s also plenty of hope that young receivers Preston Williams (below) and Jauan Jennings are ready to become stars in 2016.

Oct 10, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Preston Williams (7) misses a catch during the second half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 38 to 31. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee didn’t have a single receiver gain more than 409 yards last year. If the Vols’ receivers want to play a bigger role in 2016 – and post bigger numbers – sophomores like Jennings and Williams, who came to Knoxville with such promise, seem to be likely candidates.

A second year under offensive coordinator Mike DeBord should help the youngsters and everyone else be better able to stay on the same page.

“When a freshman comes in and you present your terminology, that’s like walking into a foreign language class for the first time,” DeBord told VolsNation.com during spring ball. “I can’t really recall those days, but that wouldn’t be too much fun for me. … So they feel more comfortable and they are able to display their physical abilities instead of having to think about it.”

Jennings (below), a quarterback in high school who is familiar with position changes, was forced into the duty at receiver but he certainly has the talent to make big plays.

Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) runs past Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Cortez McDowell (20) during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Williams, who had just seven catches a year ago, came to Knoxville as a top-10 recruit at wide receiver. But he struggled to adjust to the college game. That, coupled with a hamstring injury, made him a non-factor the final seven games. But he had a good spring and hopes are high. He worked hard, was more attentive and feels more comfortable.

“In my opinion, he’s a different guy now,” DeBord told reporters during the spring. “He’s very much handling it the right way. I was sitting in the meeting room yesterday and just listening to him and giving feedback. With his demeanor on the practice field, he is a different guy and he has really stepped up.”

It will be interesting to see who emerges as the stars in this group. The potential is there.

But now, it’s time for results.