NighthawkVol
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Coming into 2018, I hoped for 6 wins and a bowl game. I didn't necessarily predict it, but hope and predict are two different things. Of course, I'm not happy with a 6-6 season at Tennessee, but making a bowl and getting an extra month of practice would be huge for this program going into Year 2. And when new coaches take over a rebuilding program, Year 2 is typically when a jump is made. So I want a successful (bowl season) 2018 to set up a jump in 2019. At the midway point, Tennessee is 3-3 with a signature win on the road under Pruitt's belt. Losing steaks have ended, both in terms of UT's overall SEC losing streak and UT's streak against the SEC West. Not to mention Auburn itself.
So here's my take on where Tennessee is right now and where it's heading in 2019:
Quarterback:
Guarantano has improved as much as anyone in the SEC this season. Not just from last year to this, but also as the season has progressed. He's going through progressions, he's accurate, he's deliberate, and he's on time. Oh, and he's tough. With two more years of eligibility remaining, Tennessee has its QB for the foreseeable future. In 2019, he'll be one of the top 3 in the SEC. With Shrout and Maurer waiting in the wings, this position is set for awhile.
Running Back:
Again, Tennessee is young and talented here. Chandler is a dynamic playmaker. Jordan is a solid pounder and when Banks gets his fumble problems corrected, he'll be very good. All are sophomores or freshmen. I think Aaron Beasley will be a RB at UT and I also think UT will flip Eric Gray. Those are your 5 for 2019. Should be a good group.
Wide Receiver:
There is a less than 50/50 chance that both Calloway and Jennings both go pro early. If anything, one may leave and another may stay, but I think both will be back. Along with Palmer, they're forming one of the best groups in the SEC. Keep in mind Murphy and Tillman are young guys with a lot of talent. David Johnson may be our new Kippy Brown. Tennessee will add Keaton and another stud like Khafre Brown to this group next season and it will again be among the best in the SEC. It's hard to put into words how much better they've gotten since last season and that's a complete reflection of David Johnson. Because of him, I expect Murphy and Tillman to make huge improvements next year.
Tight End/H-Back:
Wood-Anderson is more than solid and I noticed Bumphus played a lot against Auburn. He still needs to add some weight, but when he does, I think he could be a weapon. I also like Wolf a lot, but he's not a blocker, he's a receiving TE. Pope shows flashes, but should probably be used more as a blocking Fullback. Tennessee adds two freshmen it likes next season. This could be a very good group, but all need to make some strides going into 2019.
Offensive Line:
Obviously, this is the group that needs to improve most. It's also a position that needs time to improve because it requires physical changes to the body (unless it's someone special like Trey Smith), so we've seen less improvement throughout the season than we have at other position. I have a lot more faith in this strength program under Fitzgerald to improve the overall effectiveness of this group. Here are a few things that I think needs to (and will) happen:
-Trey Smith needs to play Guard. He's not a true LT. He's really struggled there. But without any other LTs on the team, he's had to play out of position. Next year, he won't have to. Because...
-Someone else will play LT. It will either be Wayna Morris (or possibly Wright if we land him), Jahmir Johnson (who is really more of an OT than a Guard, given his athleticism, but needs to add about 20 lbs.), or Marcus Tatum (who is the most "true" LT on the team, given his skill set, but I think they're trying to get him a redshirt).
-Jerome Carvin will improve and lock down a Guard spot or the Center spot and be very good.
-Chance Hall will be a year removed from his injury/surgery and contribute far more next season.
There are a number of possible starting line combos, but I'll predict this one:
LT: Morris
LG: Smith
C: Carvin
RG: Hall
RT: J. Johnson
Top Reserves: Kennedy, R. Johnson, Locklear, Tatum. If we land Wright, he's immediately a possible starter.
Defensive Line:
We've definitely seen improvement here. Alexis Johnson has made a huge improvement. Phillips and Tuttle have both gotten better. Emmitt Gooden has improved as the year has gone on and has yet to reach his ceiling. Obviously, the coaching at this position is very good. That bodes well for the future because, with the loss of Tuttle, Phillips, and Johnson, this group will be the only one that takes a significant hit going into 2019. We will probably start an all-JUCO front next season with Gooden at NT, S. Williams at one DE, and Middleton at the other. We will need Mincey, Butler, Garland, and Emerson to step up and provide depth. I have confidence that this staff can develop them as they've shown with the 3 seniors.
Linebackers:
When you talk about players who have improved the most, Darrell Taylor has to be in that discussion. He'll be a RSSr and is developing into a stud. Deandre Johnson also looks good at the other OLB spot. I'd like to see Jordan Allen improve some to provide depth. He should have a chance for more PT the rest of the way with Kongbo out. Also, let's not forget that JJ Peterson will be good to go in 2019. I'd expect him to play the last 4 games of the year to preserve his redshirt. If he's ready, maybe he plays against Bama with Bituli out. Regardless, Phillips, Johnson, Bituli, Peterson, Kirkland, and Sapp will all return next year. Tennessee adds the best JUCO ILB in America to that group and could possibly add Pappoe, To'oto', and/or Bogle to that group. This should be a huge strength in 2019, as well as for the rest of 2018.
Secondary:
Thompson and Taylor have exceeded any expectations we should place on freshmen. I'm still not a Buchanan fan, but he has gotten better this year. Pruitt seems to think he can be very good (he's said as much). I am not a Micah Abernathy fan, but I like what I've seen from Flowers so far. I hope he's back sooner than later. Flowers and Warrior at Safety, Thompson and Taylor at CB, and either Shamburger or Jackson at NB makes a solid secondary next year. Maybe more than solid, because I think they're pretty darn solid right now. Throw in the 4* freshmen we're bringing in in Fields, Burrell, Harris, and McCollough (and maybe Watson), and you've got the makings of an awesome group.
Special Teams:
Another area where we've been very good. Obviously, the Butch teams were great at returns and we haven't seen that from this year's group, but the rule changes have all but taken away kick returns. However, we finally have a good FG kicker, Doyle has been an awesome punter, and Brooks puts it in the end zone on every kickoff. All those guys are freshmen or sophomores, so this will be a strength in 2019.
Coaching:
Overall, we have to be excited about the coaching. Players have developed. The culture and attitude is slowly but surely changing. The overall team has improved, they play to win, and they expected to win Saturday. Also, it's telling of great coaching when Tennessee played lights out coming out of a bye week.
Oh...one other thing...Auburn had 10 points and two long drives in its first two possessions. Tennessee's defense shut them down after that. That's adjustments. Coaching. Been awhile since we've seen that.
Remaining 2018 Schedule:
Alabama (Home)- Loss
South Carolina (Road)- Swing Game
Charlotte (Home)- Win
Kentucky (Home)- Probable Loss
Missouri (Home)- Swing Game
Vanderbilt (Road)- Swing Game
That's two probable losses and one win. Tennessee will need to win two of the three swing games to make a bowl. It won't be easy, but if this team sticks together and keeps improving, it's very doable. I'll predict that they keep getting better, lose to Bama and Kentucky, but beat Charlotte, Missouri, and Vanderbilt to get to 6-6. Maybe a Music City Bowl? If this team makes a bowl, I like this staff's chances with a month to prepare.
2019 Schedule:
Georgia State
BYU
Chattanooga
at Florida
OPEN
Georgia
Mississippi State
at Alabama
South Carolina
UAB
at Kentucky
OPEN
at Missouri
Vanderbilt
With the continued improvement this team is making, the influx of talent that the 2019 recruiting class will provide, and one of the more manageable schedules we've seen in awhile, Tennessee should win 9-10 games at least in 2019. With some luck, the Vols could win more.
I love the BYU non-conference game early. It's a big name opponent that will challenge Tennessee early, but it's at Neyland and Tennessee should win that. BYU loses its best playmakers from this season. I also love the Mississippi State draw in Knoxville. State's best players are seniors and I don't think Morehead will replace them like Mullen did. That should be a win. First time we could say that about our rotating West team in a long time.
And we're getting revenge at Florida. Don't think Pruitt won't have his team ready for that one. Which means that Tennessee-Georgia in Neyland may be for the SEC East.
So here's my take on where Tennessee is right now and where it's heading in 2019:
Quarterback:
Guarantano has improved as much as anyone in the SEC this season. Not just from last year to this, but also as the season has progressed. He's going through progressions, he's accurate, he's deliberate, and he's on time. Oh, and he's tough. With two more years of eligibility remaining, Tennessee has its QB for the foreseeable future. In 2019, he'll be one of the top 3 in the SEC. With Shrout and Maurer waiting in the wings, this position is set for awhile.
Running Back:
Again, Tennessee is young and talented here. Chandler is a dynamic playmaker. Jordan is a solid pounder and when Banks gets his fumble problems corrected, he'll be very good. All are sophomores or freshmen. I think Aaron Beasley will be a RB at UT and I also think UT will flip Eric Gray. Those are your 5 for 2019. Should be a good group.
Wide Receiver:
There is a less than 50/50 chance that both Calloway and Jennings both go pro early. If anything, one may leave and another may stay, but I think both will be back. Along with Palmer, they're forming one of the best groups in the SEC. Keep in mind Murphy and Tillman are young guys with a lot of talent. David Johnson may be our new Kippy Brown. Tennessee will add Keaton and another stud like Khafre Brown to this group next season and it will again be among the best in the SEC. It's hard to put into words how much better they've gotten since last season and that's a complete reflection of David Johnson. Because of him, I expect Murphy and Tillman to make huge improvements next year.
Tight End/H-Back:
Wood-Anderson is more than solid and I noticed Bumphus played a lot against Auburn. He still needs to add some weight, but when he does, I think he could be a weapon. I also like Wolf a lot, but he's not a blocker, he's a receiving TE. Pope shows flashes, but should probably be used more as a blocking Fullback. Tennessee adds two freshmen it likes next season. This could be a very good group, but all need to make some strides going into 2019.
Offensive Line:
Obviously, this is the group that needs to improve most. It's also a position that needs time to improve because it requires physical changes to the body (unless it's someone special like Trey Smith), so we've seen less improvement throughout the season than we have at other position. I have a lot more faith in this strength program under Fitzgerald to improve the overall effectiveness of this group. Here are a few things that I think needs to (and will) happen:
-Trey Smith needs to play Guard. He's not a true LT. He's really struggled there. But without any other LTs on the team, he's had to play out of position. Next year, he won't have to. Because...
-Someone else will play LT. It will either be Wayna Morris (or possibly Wright if we land him), Jahmir Johnson (who is really more of an OT than a Guard, given his athleticism, but needs to add about 20 lbs.), or Marcus Tatum (who is the most "true" LT on the team, given his skill set, but I think they're trying to get him a redshirt).
-Jerome Carvin will improve and lock down a Guard spot or the Center spot and be very good.
-Chance Hall will be a year removed from his injury/surgery and contribute far more next season.
There are a number of possible starting line combos, but I'll predict this one:
LT: Morris
LG: Smith
C: Carvin
RG: Hall
RT: J. Johnson
Top Reserves: Kennedy, R. Johnson, Locklear, Tatum. If we land Wright, he's immediately a possible starter.
Defensive Line:
We've definitely seen improvement here. Alexis Johnson has made a huge improvement. Phillips and Tuttle have both gotten better. Emmitt Gooden has improved as the year has gone on and has yet to reach his ceiling. Obviously, the coaching at this position is very good. That bodes well for the future because, with the loss of Tuttle, Phillips, and Johnson, this group will be the only one that takes a significant hit going into 2019. We will probably start an all-JUCO front next season with Gooden at NT, S. Williams at one DE, and Middleton at the other. We will need Mincey, Butler, Garland, and Emerson to step up and provide depth. I have confidence that this staff can develop them as they've shown with the 3 seniors.
Linebackers:
When you talk about players who have improved the most, Darrell Taylor has to be in that discussion. He'll be a RSSr and is developing into a stud. Deandre Johnson also looks good at the other OLB spot. I'd like to see Jordan Allen improve some to provide depth. He should have a chance for more PT the rest of the way with Kongbo out. Also, let's not forget that JJ Peterson will be good to go in 2019. I'd expect him to play the last 4 games of the year to preserve his redshirt. If he's ready, maybe he plays against Bama with Bituli out. Regardless, Phillips, Johnson, Bituli, Peterson, Kirkland, and Sapp will all return next year. Tennessee adds the best JUCO ILB in America to that group and could possibly add Pappoe, To'oto', and/or Bogle to that group. This should be a huge strength in 2019, as well as for the rest of 2018.
Secondary:
Thompson and Taylor have exceeded any expectations we should place on freshmen. I'm still not a Buchanan fan, but he has gotten better this year. Pruitt seems to think he can be very good (he's said as much). I am not a Micah Abernathy fan, but I like what I've seen from Flowers so far. I hope he's back sooner than later. Flowers and Warrior at Safety, Thompson and Taylor at CB, and either Shamburger or Jackson at NB makes a solid secondary next year. Maybe more than solid, because I think they're pretty darn solid right now. Throw in the 4* freshmen we're bringing in in Fields, Burrell, Harris, and McCollough (and maybe Watson), and you've got the makings of an awesome group.
Special Teams:
Another area where we've been very good. Obviously, the Butch teams were great at returns and we haven't seen that from this year's group, but the rule changes have all but taken away kick returns. However, we finally have a good FG kicker, Doyle has been an awesome punter, and Brooks puts it in the end zone on every kickoff. All those guys are freshmen or sophomores, so this will be a strength in 2019.
Coaching:
Overall, we have to be excited about the coaching. Players have developed. The culture and attitude is slowly but surely changing. The overall team has improved, they play to win, and they expected to win Saturday. Also, it's telling of great coaching when Tennessee played lights out coming out of a bye week.
Oh...one other thing...Auburn had 10 points and two long drives in its first two possessions. Tennessee's defense shut them down after that. That's adjustments. Coaching. Been awhile since we've seen that.
Remaining 2018 Schedule:
Alabama (Home)- Loss
South Carolina (Road)- Swing Game
Charlotte (Home)- Win
Kentucky (Home)- Probable Loss
Missouri (Home)- Swing Game
Vanderbilt (Road)- Swing Game
That's two probable losses and one win. Tennessee will need to win two of the three swing games to make a bowl. It won't be easy, but if this team sticks together and keeps improving, it's very doable. I'll predict that they keep getting better, lose to Bama and Kentucky, but beat Charlotte, Missouri, and Vanderbilt to get to 6-6. Maybe a Music City Bowl? If this team makes a bowl, I like this staff's chances with a month to prepare.
2019 Schedule:
Georgia State
BYU
Chattanooga
at Florida
OPEN
Georgia
Mississippi State
at Alabama
South Carolina
UAB
at Kentucky
OPEN
at Missouri
Vanderbilt
With the continued improvement this team is making, the influx of talent that the 2019 recruiting class will provide, and one of the more manageable schedules we've seen in awhile, Tennessee should win 9-10 games at least in 2019. With some luck, the Vols could win more.
I love the BYU non-conference game early. It's a big name opponent that will challenge Tennessee early, but it's at Neyland and Tennessee should win that. BYU loses its best playmakers from this season. I also love the Mississippi State draw in Knoxville. State's best players are seniors and I don't think Morehead will replace them like Mullen did. That should be a win. First time we could say that about our rotating West team in a long time.
And we're getting revenge at Florida. Don't think Pruitt won't have his team ready for that one. Which means that Tennessee-Georgia in Neyland may be for the SEC East.
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