vols 30
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I don't think we lose a single coach until we win a national title.I am far more worried about losing coaches than any of the players (other than Hooker).
One of the amazing things about college sports; the entire roster is going to turn over in the time it takes a kid to get a college degree.
Key players who have to move on after this season:
Key players who don't have to, but very well may leave for the draft:
- Hendon Hooker (QB)
- Princeton Fant (TE)
- Jerome Carvin (OL)
- LaTrell Bumphus (DL)
- Solon Page (LB)
- Trevon Flowers (S)
- Paxton Brooks (P/PK)
- Chase McGrath (P/PK)
There could be others in that second group. Impossible to read the lads' minds. Those just seem a few of the most likely to feel heavy pressure to declare.
- Cedric Tillman (WR) -- (I think he still has his "covid eligibility" left, but may choose to go pro)
- Jacob Warren (TE) -- (ditto)
- Byron Young (DL) -- (ditto)
- Jeremy Banks (LB) -- (ditto)
...
As you can see, it's actually not too bad. We get hit heavy in two position groups: tight end, and kickers. Plus losing our starting QB is always a significant transition (though the QB room looks very healthy). Other than that, we're okay. We are positioned to continue to succeed, from one end of the field to the other.
2023 should not be about rebuilding. Just reloading. As long as we get the QB transition right.
Go Vols!
No way Nico comes in and starts as a Freshman in this offense. To many reads for him to learn before he can start. Joe has shown in his limited playing time that he looks like he is ready to play full time. I'm a little concerned if he has the warrior mentality that Hooker has. Also I don't think he will be as good of a runner as Hooker is. But his arm is better and if he has improved his accuracy and touch he will be a great NFL prospect.
Losses come with every year. Key is how well you replace 'em. Biggest concern is and always be the QB. When you have a good one, you have a chance. When you don't, you have the Guarantano years. I'll be watching the portal with keen interest. How does this staff feel about the position behind Hooker? If they bring in another transfer, that speaks volumes. Nico and Jackson may be very good or even great at some point, but this league is a huge step up for youngsters at the position. Even the great Peyton Manning didn't step in and dominate from day one. If Milton has, indeed, made the step up and is ready, I really like our chances for a solid season again next year. Maybe not to this level, but we shouldn't have to worry about being bowl eligible again. If Milton is the same old Milton, we're likely in for a frustrating year.I don’t want to get ahead of myself but curious about sustainability. I feel like we are going to lose a good bit of talent from this team.
Yeah, I am curious to see how Milton runs in this now fully developed offense. When he started last year, this team was still establishing its identity. A really mobile Milton creates some real opportunitiesConfidence and reps and Joe will be fine. He damn near got the Hail Mary cold off the bench. If that happens and he runs to take on defenders Tennessee has a chance to be more lethal.
Forgot about Omari. He’s probably gone. He’s been really good.Darnell Wright should be on that list. Believe he has a Covid year, but I'd expect him to go pro. He's had a great year.
If Jacob Warren leaves, he's retiring from football. He'd be crazy not to come back.
Roman Harrison has a Covid year. He could leave or come back. Not sure he'd get drafted.
Hyatt may leave early. I'd lean towards thinking he will.
Kurot Garland has a Covid year, may or may not use it.
Omari Thomas could declare.
Jaylen McCullough could come back and use a Covid year. Given the number of DBs we're bringing in, I'm not sure that's the plan.
Not worried about the LB position. I think Herring has looked great this year when he's gotten in. Beasley has probably looked the best out of the entire group and he has an extra year he can use (none of those are good enough to get drafted right now). We only use two of them anyway and although we don't have any elite talent (though I think Herring is a lot better than the services rated him), we've got a bit of a logjam and multiple guys will be able to step in.Very concerned about LBs. Banks, Mitchell, Beasley, and Page are all Seniors. Yes some have COVID years but I don't think we can bank on any of them coming back. Also probably Byron Young and Roman Harrison at LEO. Screw it.. going to enjoy this season while it lasts.
I wouldn't be shocked if OC Alex Golesh gets hired for head coach by Georgia Tech or Louisville.
One of the amazing things about college sports; the entire roster is going to turn over in the time it takes a kid to get a college degree.
Key players who have to move on after this season:
Key players who don't have to, but very well may leave for the draft:
- Hendon Hooker (QB)
- Princeton Fant (TE)
- Jerome Carvin (OL)
- LaTrell Bumphus (DL)
- Solon Page (LB)
- Trevon Flowers (S)
- Paxton Brooks (P/PK)
- Chase McGrath (P/PK)
There could be others in that second group. Impossible to read the lads' minds. Those just seem a few of the most likely to feel heavy pressure to declare.
- Cedric Tillman (WR) -- (I think he still has his "covid eligibility" left, but may choose to go pro)
- Jacob Warren (TE) -- (ditto)
- Byron Young (DL) -- (ditto)
- Jeremy Banks (LB) -- (ditto)
...
As you can see, it's actually not too bad. We get hit heavy in two position groups: tight end, and kickers. Plus losing our starting QB is always a significant transition (though the QB room looks very healthy). Other than that, we're okay. We are positioned to continue to succeed, from one end of the field to the other.
2023 should not be about rebuilding. Just reloading. As long as we get the QB transition right.
Go Vols!