Is there an issue with WR Development/Evaluation

[VawlIn]

I remember when everybody was questioning this coaching staff after all our dbs went into the portal after struggling. It was the biggest turn around group this season and I expect the WR group to do the same next season. GBO

It’s definitely possible, Matthews and Staley are the two best WR prospects we’ve signed together since Hunter and Rogers and Brazzell has the ability, but the consistency just isn’t there. It’s just a little concerning that we’ve yet to see improvement when every other position group has done it at one point or another. The lack of experienced depth is an issue as well. I just think Smith and Jackson need some work before they’re SEC ready

 

[VawlIn]

Good post. We’re all thinking about this. we see all of these highly talented kids come in with all the fanfare and excitement and then we see them leave through the portal. Why are they leaving? Is it their choice or have they been asked to leave? I find it hard to believe that these kids are leaving for money through a better NIL deal. But maybe that’s what’s happening.

I personally have seen several of these kids display an inability to separate and get open when they’ve had their opportunities in games against decent competition.

Not sure what’s going on or what the problem is, but the current situation certainly does not inspire confidence in our passing game moving forward.

It’s not unreasonable to expect to have some obvious NFL talent at either WR or TE. This is the same program that had a guy scorch a Nick Saban secondary in front of the world and signed the top QB in the country and go on to win the Biletnikoff. It will be an absolute travesty if we can’t get Nico a couple of future draft picks to throw to in his time here

 

[VawlIn]

Hard to rotate when your philosophy is up-tempo. He'd have to change his offensive DNA for that to happen and I doubt it does. When we play at a slower pace, he can rotate.

Adapting his offensive philosophy would probably be the best thing that he could ever do. He’s also done it before. Great offensive minds don’t try to make their players fit their scheme. They adapt their philosophy to maximize their talent. We have an extremely one dimensional run game and our wide splits limit our passing concepts

 

[Orangecrush#27]

It’s definitely possible, Matthews and Staley are the two best WR prospects we’ve signed together since Hunter and Rogers and Brazzell has the ability, but the consistency just isn’t there. It’s just a little concerning that we’ve yet to see improvement when every other position group has done it at one point or another. The lack of experienced depth is an issue as well. I just think Smith and Jackson need some work before they’re SEC ready

da Rick rogers and Justin hunter? . I sometimes think what Tyler bray would’ve looked like in coach hueps offense ! but anyways I get what your saying, TN is in big on some receivers in 2026 for recruiting and I’m willing to bet TN recievers will be a strength next year. Just a gut feeling.

 

[VawlIn]

da Rick rogers and Justin hunter? . I sometimes think what Tyler bray would’ve looked like in coach hueps offense ! but anyways I get what your saying, TN is in big on some receivers in 2026 for recruiting and I’m willing to bet TN recievers will be a strength next year. Just a gut feeling.

I think it is. They’re the only other pair of receivers we’ve gotten in a single class that both had obvious NFL potential. Actually the offense we ran in 2012 was fairly similar to what Heupel runs. They did it in different ways, but they were both based on a vertical passing game and a power running game. The defense was our problem in 2012. Part of me still thinks we win the east if Justin Wilcox doesn’t leave the year before

 

[Orangecrush#27]

I think it is. They’re the only other pair of receivers we’ve gotten in a single class that both had obvious NFL potential. Actually the offense we ran in 2012 was fairly similar to what Heupel runs. They did it in different ways, but they were both based on a vertical passing game and a power running game. The defense was our problem in 2012. Part of me still thinks we win the east if Justin Wilcox doesn’t leave the year before

I know man, that team had a great offense. Justin Hunter was unstoppable in the red zone, Rogers was freaking tough short to mid range. I know alot
Of vol fans aren’t going to agree but I definitely do , if Wilcox comes back that team is winning double digits.

 

[MurphyVol]

Furthermore, I question the character of a kid on any playoff team leaving that team while your team still has work in front of it

That’s quitting. If it’s a bowl game, I get it.

But every player from practice squad to starter matter when you’re still playing.

Coaches do it too. Cut bailed on us before the national championship.