2020 Tennessee Volunteers Preview
A Look Back and a Peek Ahead
Tennessee finished last season with a one point win over Indiana and an 8-5 record. There were three losses where the team was clearly outmatched (Florida, Georgia, and Alabama) and two tough ones to swallow at the start of the season (Georgia State & BYU). After those two losses the team went on to win every “winnable” game to finish the season 8-3. That is certainly an encouraging sign that head coach Jeremy Pruitt may be getting things turned around in Knoxville.
The offense flashed at times but was largely inefficient ranking 100th in yards per game (365.5), 67th in yards per play (5.79), 97th in points per game (24.2) and 108th in total plays (821). Despite ranking 34th in 3rd down conversions (43.18) the offense could not sustain enough drives and was ranked dead last in 4th down conversions (2 for 12). When the offense did sustain drives, the red zone possessions often failed to lead to touchdowns (112th in redzone TD%). Those inefficiencies are compounded by the poor turnover margin (70th nationally) and largely attributed to 13 interceptions thrown (102nd nationally).
The defense was the stronger unit ranking 23rd in yards per game (334.5), 24th in yards per play (5.01), and 29th in points per game (21.7). The run defense was solid allowing 140.46 yards per game (48th nationally) and 3.70 yards per carry (30th nationally). The pass defense was even better allowing only 194.0 yards per game (16th nationally) and 6.7 yards per attempt (28th nationally). That was in large part due to excellent disruption on passing downs leading to 2.62 sacks per game (33rd nationally) and 1.15 interceptions per game (13th nationally).
Pruitt is a former defensive coordinator so it is expected that he will have strong defenses as he continues to build the program, but the offense will ultimately determine his success. With two strong recruiting classes in back to back years, and big time transfer additions, there is reason for optimism in 2020.
2020 Tennessee Volunteers Preview – Offense
Quarterback
Tennessee returns R.Sr. Jarrett Guarantano (6’4” 213) who has been the primary starter for the Volunteers for over two seasons now. Guarantano has enough physical tools to be successful but has not been able to put those tools together to play at a consistent enough level.
Against his three toughest opponents (Georgia, Florida, and Alabama) Guarantano struggled mightily, averaging 58.67 YPG, 47.3% completions, 4.63 YPA, 0 TD, and 2 INTs. He only through 38 attempts as coaches gave youngster Brian Maurer plenty of snaps in those three games. Granted those three teams rank among the nation’s elite in total defense (Georgia #3, Florida #9, Alabama #21) but if Tennessee is going to take the next step it must get better play at the quarterback position in tough games.
In his other eight games against FBS opponents Guarantano posted a respectable stat line – 240 YPG, 60.1% completions, 8.72 YPA, 13 TDs, and 6 INTs. Those numbers are actually pretty good across the board except for the interceptions. Guarantano’s relatively low TD/INT ratio is a cause for concern and he simply must protect the ball better in 2020.
Guarantano did have an impressive two game stretch against Kentucky (7/8 115 YDs, 14.4 YPA, 2 TDs & 0 INT) and Missouri (23/40, 415 YDs, 10.4 YPA, 2 TDs & 0 INT). Kentucky and Missouri were both stellar in pass defense ranking #2 and #6 in passing yards per game, and both were tied for #13 in opposing YPA. It is performances like these that show how effective Guarantano can be when he is performing at his best.
Whether or not Guarantano can hold on to his starting spot this season will depend on his ability to limit turnovers and play at a functional level in big games. If he is unable to do so, there are plenty of young options behind him vying for playing time.
Sophomores Brian Maurer & J.T. Shrout were given some opportunities to show what they can do when Guarantano struggled. Both flashed at times but struggled with consistency (under 50% completions each). That experience should help their adjustment to the college game and help them improve this offseason.
Maryland transfer Kasim Hill will also be looking to unseat Guarantano. Hill has starting experience from his days in Maryland but posted a sub 50% completion rate, a mere 6.3 YPA, and 9/4 TD/INT ratio in his final season with the Terps. Still, Hill is worth mentioning as he has the most FBS experience out of the projected backups.
All eyes will be on early enrollee true freshman Harrison Bailey (6’5” 211) who was the third highest ranked pro-style QB and a Top 100 national recruit. Bailey probably has the most natural talent on the roster but expecting immediate contributions may be to much too ask. Don’t sleep on fellow early enrollee Jimmy Holiday who has elite speed (4.38 verified 40) and high end potential at the position.
2020 Outlook: Senior Jarrett Guarantano will enter his fourth season, but must improve his play in big games and limit turnovers. He will be pushed by a handful of young players including true freshman Harrison Bailey. The play at this position will make or break the Volunteers season.
Running back
The Volunteers rushing attack was not a strength of the team in 2019. The unit averaged a shade over 144 yards per game (#87 nationally) and a pedestrian 4.07 yards per carry (#85 nationally). The leading returner is Sr. Ty Chandler who rushed for 655 yds, a 4.85 avg, and 3 TDs. Chandler will have an opportunity to seize the lead role but it is more likely he will be the lead back up.
Soph. Eric Gray has flashed the most upside at the position after posting 539 yds, 5.34 avg. and 4 TDs. Gray also caught 13 balls for 115 and a score in the passing game. Gray finished the season on a very high note exploding for nearly 250 yds against Vanderbilt and following up that performance with 86 yards and a 6.14 avg. against Indiana in the bowl game. Gray has flashed his playmaking ability and has the talent that warrants plenty of touches this season. Expect Gray to be the featured back this season.
Tim Jordan enters his senior season after being a solid third contributor who amassed 428 yds, 4.12 avg., and 1 TD in 2019. Jordan is a solid player who provides experienced depth behind Gray and Chandler. It is possible Jordan could see fewer touches if Gray emerges as expected this season.
R. Sr. Carlin Fils-aime returns after taking a redshirt last season and bolsters the depth at the position. Fils-aime has not produced much in his career but is a former four star prospect that has some ability. Soph. linebacker Quavaris Crouch was used in short-yardage rushing situations and scored 2 TDs this past season. He could be used in a similar role again if coaches choose to do so.
Newcomers Len’Neth Whitehead, Jabari Small, and Tee Hodge are a welcome additions. Whitehead was a four star player that could also play defense. Both Hodge (6’1” 216) and Whitehead (6’2” 230) are bigger backs that could provide a power running element at the position.
2020 Outlook: Tennessee returns leading rushers Ty Chandler and Eric Gray, with Gray poised to separate himself from the pack. Outside of Gray, this group is comprised of solid yet unspectacular talents.
Wide Receiver
Tennessee loses its tops two receivers in Jauan Jenning and Marques Calloway who combined for over 1,600 yards in 2020. The top returner is senior Josh Palmer who has totaled over 400 yards receiving in each of the past two seasons. Palmer has enough talent to serve as the #1 receiver but how much of a difference maker he can be in that role remains to be seen.
The rest of the group has little in the way of proven production but there are players with promise. R.Sr. Brandon Johnson, R.Jr. Deangelo Gibbs, and USC grad transfer Velus Jones are upperclassmen who are likely contributors. Johnson is an experienced player and should provide a solid option next to Palmer. Gibbs generated some practice buzz as he sat out last season after transferring from Georgia. R.Soph Cedric Tillman has also been in the program for three seasons and will have an opportunity to showcase his skills.
Soph. Ramel Keyton flashed in the bowl game and is a former top 150 prospect that could emerge as a playmaker. If Keyton lives up to his recruiting ranking this season (or Gibbs for that matter) the perception of this receiver room will quickly change.
Newcomers Malachi Wideman, Jalin Hyatt, and Jimmy Calloway were all rated as four stars and provide some talented young options. With players competing for reps it would not at all surprise if one of these three carves out an immediate role.
2020 Outlook: This unit loses the majority of its production, but there are some upperclassmen options in Josh Palmer, Brandon Johnson and DeAngelo Gibbs. Sophomore Ramel Keyton flashed as a freshmen, and both he and Gibbs could join Palmer in forming a capable playmaking trio.
Offensive Line
The Vols offensive line is by far and away the strongest unit on the offense and probably the team. Tennessee threw their two five star true freshmen tackles into the fire last season and that should pay off in year two for LT Wanya Morris (6’5” 315) and RT Darnell Wright (6’6” 340). Wanya Morris has plenty of room to fill out further in the strength and conditioning program and should be one of the best blindside protectors in his class. While Morris maybe lighter on his feet, Wright is plenty nimble for a player of his size. Wright has the natural size, strength, and athleticism to be a prototypical right tackle.
Trey Smith (6’6” 335) opted to forego the NFL draft and return for his senior season. Smith is one of the best interior offensive linemen in the nation (#2 G/C) and is an elite player through and through. At center the team returns R.Sr. Brandon Kennedy (6’3” 301) who started at every game last season. Kennedy is a very good player in his own right and an experienced anchor on the line. On the other side of Kennedy the team received a huge boost from the transfer of former Georgia linemen Cade Mays (6’6” 328). Mays was a starter for the Bulldogs and one of the most versatile linemen in the nation, having played tackle, guard, and center. Mays (#10 OT) could play tackle, where he started his last game, but the staff will likely use him at guard. Regardless of where he plays, Mays will make an impact, provided that he is granted immediate eligibility (click here for our transfer spotlight on Mays).
Behind the starters is some veteran depth beginning with Jr. Jerome Carvin (13 career starts) and Sr. Riley Locklear (4 career starts). Both are interior players that have plenty of meaningful playing experience. R.Jr. K’Rojhn Calbert made five starts at right tackle this past season including three of the final four games. Calbert has the talent to challenge Wright for a starting spot and provides tremendous depth at the tackle position. R.Sr. Jahmir Johnson started one game early in the season and was a starter at guard for 11 games in 2018. Johnson has the experience and versatility to help at guard and tackle. A pair of redshirt freshmen are behind them in Chris Akporoghene and Jackson Lampley.
The incoming class brings four star Cooper Mays, Javontez Spraggins, and James Robinson. With the talent and depth ahead of them, the trio should get the benefit of redshirting their first season.
2020 Outlook: This unit is poised to be one of the best in the nation, with all conference and NFL Draft caliber players littered across the starting five. There are four players with starting experience behind them, totaling nine players with starting experience on the line. This is the best positional group on the entire team heading into the season.
Tight End
The team loses its leading returning receiver at tight end in Dominick Wood-Anderson as well as contributor Andrew Craig. The likely starter is R.Sr. Austin Pope (6’4” 235) who is a solid blocker but unproven as a pass catcher (7 career receptions). Pope will need to provide enough of a receiving threat to keep defenses honest.
R.Jr. Princeton Fant is the top back up along with R.Soph. Jacob Warren. Neither has produced of note (3 combined receptions) but the duo will compete for an opportunity to show what they can do. Behind them are two redshirt freshmen in Jackson Lowe and Sean Brown. Lowe is a former four star prospect and has some upside if he can show he is ready.
There are no newcomers at the position but former JUCO four star Jordan Allen was listed at tight end after playing linebacker and special teams this past season. Allen was recruited as a defensive prospect but has the raw athleticism to play the position.
2020 Outlook: This is a position of concern with no proven receiving threat returning. Austin Pope is a good blocker and is the likely starter, but must show he can help as a receiver. With plenty of opportunity behind Pope, look for somebody to step up from a group of players that includes former four star Jackson Lowe.
2020 Tennessee Volunteers Preview – Defense
Defensive Line
The Volunteers return the entire defensive line unit in their odd front base defense. Expected to lead the way will be three seniors in Aubrey Solomon (6’5” 315), Darel Middleton (6’7” 305), and Emmit Gooden (6’3” 290). Solomon and Middleton have tremendous length and Gooden should return to anchor the middle after suffering a knee injury. The scheme does not call for a ton of penetration (leading to low TFL & sack numbers) but this unit should be strong at the point of attack this season.
Other players competing for snaps include R. Soph. Greg Emerson who started nine games at NT and R.Soph. Kurott Garland who started four games at NT. Emerson (a former four star) and Garland (who played well by season’s end) should improve off their first year of significant action. It would not be surprising to see either start several games again this season.
Sr. Matthew Butler returns after being a key cog in the rotation and starting four games in 2019. Butler totaled 45 tackles this past season and provides another seasoned option for the front. Latrell Bumphus is a senior who produced after changing positions last season (a former tight end). Bumphus led the defensive linemen with 6.0 TFLs and was another solid contributor. R.Sr. Ja’Quain Blakely also played significant snaps as a rotational player in certain packages.
The top eight may lack a true star, but this is one of the deepest and most experienced groups in the country. Behind that group will be Sr. Savion Williams and Jr. John Mincey who have both played sparingly.
The incoming freshmen include Top 100 recruit Omari Thomas, four star early enrollee Dominic Bailey, and three star Reginald Perry. There is plenty to be excited for in the future but redshirts across the board seem likely.
Linebacker
The loss of top pass rusher OLB Darrell Taylor is significant and finding a way to replicate his production will be a priority. Taylor was the only player on the team to record double digit TFLs and had five more sacks than the next best player on the team. The primary candidate to step into this role is R.Jr Kivon Bennett. Bennett recorded 27 TKLs, 6.0 TFLs, 2.0 sacks, and 9 QBH. Bennett has the pass rushing ability to be productive as a starter but needs to round out his game to become an every down player.
Sr. Deandre Johnson was a key rotational player who also made two starts but his production was limited (13 TKLs and 4.5 TFLs). Johnson has been in the program and experience is on his side, however, former four star Soph. Roman Harrison could challenge for starting reps. Harrison had a quiet first season until he recorded a sack in the final two games of the season. He has plenty to prove at this level but he has demonstrated some playmaking ability. Jordan Allen has changed positions to TE but could provide additional depth in a pinch.
Incoming freshmen Tyler Baron and Morven Joseph are impressive four star prospects with plenty of upside as OLB pass rushers. Do not rule either player out of potentially carving out a pass rushing role as true freshmen.
On the inside expect a duo of former Top 100 prospects in Henry To’o To’o and Quavaris Crouch to start. Crouch played as an OLB last season and could play some snaps there depending on how the staff wants to utilize him, but he should primarily play on the inside this season. Crouch recorded 28 TKLs, 1.0 TFL, 2 PBU, and 4 QBH as a freshman, and has the size (6’2” 241) and athleticism to become a force in his second year (listed by us as a breakthrough player).
To’o To’o is an equally imposing (6’2” 235) budding star who recorded 72 TKLs, 5 TFLs, 2 PBU, and 3 QBH (in 12 starts) on his way to being named a Freshmen All-American by multiple outlets. To’o To’o is a prototypical interior linebacker and should take his performance to another level with a better understanding of the defense and another year’s worth of strength and conditioning. These two have the upside to be as good as any linebacker duo in the country, they just have to reach that potential.
Former Top 50 prospect R.Soph. J.J. Peterson is entering his third year in the program and has the raw talent to be a key contributor on the inside as well as the outside. Peterson’s production has not matched his talent to date, but there is a chance he could take a step forward this season. R.Jr. Solon Page and Soph. Aaron Beasley have not produced much to date but provide additional depth at a minimum.
Tennessee signed four star teammates Bryson Eason and Martavius French who are talented newcomers that could force their way into some playing time.
2020 Outlook: Sophomores Henry To’o To’o and Quavaris Crouch headline this group and should become one of the better known duos in the nation. Crouch’s versatility to play on the outside will allow coaches to play the best four at a given time. Kivon Bennett, J.J. Peterson, Roman Harrison, and Deandre Johnson are likely candidates to fill the OLB spots.
Defensive Back
At cornerback the discussion starts with Jr. Bryce Thompson who has started 20 games in his career. The former Freshmen All-American recorded 32 TKLs, 2 PBU, 3 INTs, and 2.0 TFLs in 2019. Thompson is the best cover man on the team and should continue to elevate his game with experience. Jr. Alontae Taylor has started 15 games in his career and recorded 33 TKLs, 3 PBU, and 1 INT in 2019. Cornerback is a position where players take their lumps before reaching their potential and Taylor is now primed for a strong junior campaign.
At the star/nickel position the team returns Sr. Shawn Shamburger who was a versatile playmaker for the defense. Shamburger started 12 games this past season and recorded 47 TKLs, 4.5 TFL, 3.0 sacks, 2 PBU, 1 INT and 2 QBH. Shamburger proved that he can make plays in this defense and he should only get better in his second full season as a starter.
R.Sr. Baylen Buchanan started 12 games in 2018, before missing the 2019 season due to a significant back injury. If Buchanan is able to make a safe return he will bolster the depth in the secondary with his versatility having played on the outside, at nickel, and safety. He could also push Taylor for a starting role.
R.Jr. Kenneth George, Jr. started six games in 2019 and recorded a respectable 19 tackles 3 PBU, and 1 INT. George is a solid player that will provide depth alongside sophomores Warren Burrell (four starts) and Kenney Solomon. Burrell was thrown into the fire as a freshmen and struggled, but the experience should help him refine his technique and play better in the future. Top 100 signee Keshawn Lawrence is expected to start out his career at corner and is too talented to not earn a role in his first season. Lawrence has the versatility to play anywhere in the secondary and that should allow him to play wherever coaches feel he is needed.
Former four star Jaylen McCollough returns at safety after starting the final six games of the season. Despite not playing a full season McCollough showed his productivity recording 33 TKLs, 3.0 TFL, 1.0 sack, and 2 PBU. The rising sophomore should be a rock on the backend of the defense for the foreseeable future. Replacing senior starter Nigel Warrior will be a task and Jr. Trevon Flowers is probably the most talented option. Flowers has started three games in his career and his development has been hindered by injuries in each of the past two seasons. If Flowers can stay healthy he will have the first crack at the starting job.
Senior Theo Jackson started five games in 2019 and was a productive player recording 53 TKLs, 1.0 TFL and 2 PBU. His upside is limited but he is a solid player who brings valuable experience to the position. R.Soph. Brandon Davis, R.Jr. Cheyenne Labruzza, and R.Fr. Tyus Fields (former four star) round out the other options at safety.
Three star freshmen Doneiko Slaughter and Tamarion McDonald are the newcomers at the position and not expected to make an immediate impact barring injury.
2020 Outlook: The backend of the defense appears to be experienced and strong but will need to find an answer alongside budding star Jaylen McCollough. Bryce Thompson should prove to be one of the better cover corners in the conference and there is enough depth for success in multiple defensive back packages.
Special Teams
The Volunteers return Sr. Brent Cimaglia who is the best returning kicker in the SEC this season. Cimaglia has been perfect on extra points and missed only four field goal attempts this past season.
At punter Jr. Paxton Brooks returns after averaging 42.00 yards per punt on 30 attempts in 2019. He will be challenged by transfer Brett Graham who last punted in 2017 and averaged 38.76 yards per punt.
2020 Outlook: Brent Cimaglia gives Tennessee one of the most reliable kickers in the land. Incumbent punter Paxton Brooks will face competition from transfer Brett Graham, but the result should be a solid punter.
2020 Outlook
This offense has some major question marks at wide receiver, tight end, and quarterback. The receivers on the roster do have some promise but they will need Guarantano to elevate his play and provide greater consistency. Eric Gray should have every opportunity to shine in this offense and has the talent to do just that this season.
It helps to have a superstar laden offensive line that has a high floor and even more monstrous ceiling. This unit will carry this offense to points in many games, but it will be wasted if the quarterback play doesn’t improve this season and some weapons emerge on the perimeter.
Jeremy Pruitt is known for defense and he will have an experience laden group. With eight returning starters/contributors on the defensive line the unit should be mostly stout. If a player can emerge as a disruptive force then this unit could go from good to great.
A pass rushing presence or two (preferably outside of Crouch) will help the defense fortify a relative weakness. There are players who have shown promise but must show they can provide starter level consistency. The ILBs will quickly become national names and the corners have an excellent blend of talent and experience. There is production, leadership, and talent to replace on the backend (with the departure of Nigel Harris), but we see an emerging star in McCollough and solid players next to him.
At a minimum the defense should be very good and if a couple more players step up at the right positions the defense will be a complete unit. Whether that happens remains to be seen but there is plenty of reason for optimism.
Tennessee has one of the toughest schedules in all of college football as the team faces Oklahoma, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, (all preseason playoff contenders) and an underrated but talented Kentucky team. The Volunteers will get a big test in week 2 at Oklahoma and if they can limit turnovers in that game there is a path to victory. Florida, Alabama, and Kentucky are all home games but traveling to Athens after facing Kentucky will be a major challenge. There is no denying that Pruitt has improved this roster significantly and eight wins is attainable, but the team will only go further than that with improved quarterback play.
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