Dooley now heads out on the summer recruiting trail.
I’ll say this following Tennessee’s Orange and White game this past weekend – I’m on the Tyler Bray bandwagon. I mean, this is basically a write-off year for new head coach Derek Dooley, right? So why not throw the kid to the fire and see what he can do. I don’t hear anyone saying let’s save Jawuan James, so why not give Bray the keys to the car?
That said, here’s one man’s predictions on what the Tennessee Volunteers will look like come September.
Quarterback:
Tyler Bray and let’s roll with it. Now, Simms could have a great fall and come out guns blazing, but the future is now for this team. Bray starts, Simms sees action regardless at some point.
Running Back:
Tauren Poole looked the part Saturday rushing, as well as receiving, and I believe it’s his time to shine barring a huge setback this fall. David Oku will provide quality depth to Poole, Toney Williams gets a few carries along the way and freshman Rajion Neal could be the sleeper of this year’s freshman class once he arrives this summer. Either way, Poole is a runner and will be the horse Dooley hangs his visor on come fall.
Fullback:
Kevin Cooper is an underrated and unheralded blocking back that paves the way for another 1,000-yard Vol rusher in Poole.
Wide Receiver:
Seniors Gerald Jones and Denarious Moore have made their mark on the program and will continue to show leadership this year. They were both clearly on their game Saturday and looked to be in mid-season form. Marsalis Teague and Zach Rogers will provide solid backup this fall and some combination of freshmen Da’Rick Rogers, Justin Hunter and Matt Milton should push the upperclassmen for playing time.
Tight End:
Dooley awaits the return of prized tight end Luke Stocker from injury. Ben Bartholomew and Mychal Rivera could also see minutes in an offense that leans heavily on multiple tight end formations according to Dooley.
Offensive Line:
While thin, this line could really come together under the direction of offensive coordinator Jim Chaney and line coach Harry Hiestand. Following spring, it looks as though Jawuan James and Dallas Thomas will man the tackle positions with Thomas protecting Bray or Simms’ blindside. Jequari Schofield and Jarrod Shaw look to have hammered down the guard spots with Cody Pope at center. I’d say that freshmen James Stone and Zach Fulton will also figure into the rotation somehow once they arrive on campus.
Defensive Line:
There is some needed quality, as well as quantity, when it comes to the defensive end positions in the form of returning senior starters Chris Walker, Gerald Williams and Ben Martin. With Martin still injured, look for Walker and Williams to start with Martin and Willie Bohannon providing backup and freshmen Jacques Smith and Cory Miller already pushing the seniors for playing time.
Inside, beyond Montori Hughes and Marlon Walls, the tackle pool is pretty shallow. The Vols await the arrival of juco transfer John Brown, a one-time Florida Gator, and will slide Bohannon over for depth.
Linebacker:
Lamarcus Thompson has nailed down one spot and Nick Reveiz likely will take his middle backer spot when healthy. Greg King, after a sensational freshman year in 2009, takes the other outside spot. The backups are strong in Savion Frazier, Herman Lathers, Austin Johnson, Nigel Mitchell-Thornton, Jerod Askew and Robert Nelson all competing for serious playing time this year.
Defensive Backs:
At cornerback, Eric Gordon has taken hold of one spot and it’s likely that Art Evans, when he gets healthy, will take the other spot with Naz Oliver and Dave Clark, when he gets here, as backups.
Super sophomore Janzen Jackson has one safety spot locked up as long as he wants it, and for good reason. He looked the part Saturday in wanting to carry the torch Eric Berry left behind after declaring for the NFL Draft. Darren Myles looks to have a good hold on the other safety spot despite game-ready depth in the form of Prentiss Wagner and Rod Wilks. Freshman Eddrick Lofton could also figure into the rotation.
Kicking:
Vol Nation patiently awaits the arrival of freshman Michael Palardy and his dynamic left leg.
