Who are we losing off this squad?

#30
#30
Another benefit of NIL is that it lessens the financial pressure of these players to leave for the draft early. Sure, they might get drafted, but another season might improve their stock and big $$$ chances. Some players should go because they’ve proved all they can, but those on the fence now have a little more incentive to stay.
 
#32
#32
I am far more worried about losing coaches than any of the players (other than Hooker).
I don't think we lose a single coach until we win a national title.

This crew are like family to each other. Especially the offensive side, but more and more the defense, too. And they came to Tennessee on a mission. They're driven.

Plus, I don't think they're going to have to wait that long to be there. Heh, we might be competing for a title this year, and--as long as the QB transition goes well--again next year.

But yeah, after we win a title, definitely see other programs coming for Golesh in particular. And Halzle will not go too many years before he is promoted by someone (maybe us, maybe someone else) to OC. After those two, I think Ekeler, Jean-Mary, and Pope are hungry to move up the coaching ladder, and will take opportunities offered. The others might all be comfortable where they are for a while.

But here's the cool thing: I think Josh Heupel can build a new Golesh, and a new Halzle. He has to find the right raw material, but I have a feeling he's very good at recognizing that. And then he has to train and educate and develop. But we know he's good at that, too.

I think we're okay with coaches, as well. Not just for next year, but for years to come.

Go Vols!
 
#33
#33
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.
 
#34
#34
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:
  • 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)
Key players who don't have to, but very well may leave for the draft:
  • 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)
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.

...

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!

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.
 
#35
#35
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.

His arm strength and the velocity he puts on the ball opens up things in this offense that other QBs can't do. Much smaller windows required.
 
#36
#36
I might eat my words, but I don't see how Hyatt stays after this year. Maybe if his brother ends up here he will want to stay and play with him for a year, but I'm not sure how likely that is.
 
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#39
#39
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.
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.
 
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#40
#40
Will be interesting to see how Garland, Harrison, and a few others are graded by the nfl. If they’re assured they will be drafted and get paid then they should go. If not, it would be hard to give up the game right now with the insane amount of excitement on the hill ATM with the future looking up.
 
#41
#41
Confidence 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.
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 opportunities
 
#42
#42
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.
Forgot about Omari. He’s probably gone. He’s been really good.
 
#44
#44
Hyatt and Darnell Wright will be gone imo.

I'm a Bears fan and they could legit start on our team today if they could. There are several other teams that could be the case too. The oline talent across the League is not great. Darnell gets drafted in the first 3 rounds.
 
#46
#46
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.
 
#48
#48
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.
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.
 
#49
#49
I wouldn't be shocked if OC Alex Golesh gets hired for head coach by Georgia Tech or Louisville.

To be honest, I’d be surprised if he isn’t hired as a head coach somewhere after this season. He deserves the opportunity.

But as the primary architect of the offensive scheme, I have confidence in Coach H that he will hire a capable replacement.
 
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#50
#50
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:
  • 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)
Key players who don't have to, but very well may leave for the draft:
  • 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)
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.

...

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!

Good list. The three that I wonder about in addition are McCoy, Hyatt, and Small. McCoy and Hyatt should stay, as one more year and they could become 1st round picks, but if Hyatt keeps blowing up he might decide to go now. I'd like to see Warren stick around as well.

The defensive side is the biggest concern, as there are a lot of key upperclassmen in the front 7. But I would think that any with eligibility would want to be part of another season here, as it would only enhance their chances at the next level. As you pointed out, Young and Banks are the most likely to leave, but I could see Banks sticking around.
 
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