VolunteerLane's 2011 spring position breakdown.

The following is a spring position by position breakdown of the 2011 Vols put together by Volunteer Lane. Feedback is welcome.

It’s that time of year…you step outside and think of spring football. This year Vol fans have a lot more to be excited about compared to last year. Every position will be improved with the exception of maybe the tight ends and linebackers (and both of those we gained young but better talent). In the next few paragraphs I will break down each position, in my optimistic point of view, and what we have to look forward to.

Let’s start with the defense. As Dooley said in his latest press conference, he will play to his team’s strengths, which this season will be the secondary. There will be six (maybe seven depending on Janzen) returning players that were ranked #30 in passing efficiency defense last year, but the most exciting part has to be the new guys. There will be possibly nine new faces back there this fall. Byron Moore, a JuCo guy that has All-American potential, will more than likely be a starter from day one. Also, another JuCo guy is Lanier. He will also contribute right away. A couple freshmen that have to be mentioned and will demand attention right away are Brian Randolph, who was severely underrated coming out of Kell High School, and Justin Coleman, who is already making waves as an Early Enrollee.

Next will be the linebackers. This position is the scariest for me, depth wise, than any other on the field. Nick Reveiz will be sorely missed for his ability to play, motivate, and lead. There will have to be someone to step up and take his place. The favorite at this point would be the senior Austin Johnson who has thrived in this position since his move from fullback; although, if the freshman All-SEC John Propst has something to say about it, he will be the guy. Also keep an eye out for redshirt freshman Martaze Jackson, junior Herman Lathers, and true freshman A.J. (The Beast) Johnson.

The last defensive position is the front four, which I may be overly confident about, but hear me out. The Vols have Jacques Smith and Corey Miller slated in as the replacements for last year’s seniors and have returning 2nd team All-SEC defensive tackle Malik Jackson and incoming (potential 1st round pick per Chuck Smith) JuCo sophomore Maurice Couch. Also at defensive tackle we have some serious talent in Marlon Walls, Montori Hughes, and eight more guys. There are some questions surrounding the defensive end position, but don’t sleep on incoming freshman Curt Maggitt and Jordan Williams, plus the whole line will rotate to stay fresh.

Now to the offense…this year this group of guys will be exciting! Starting will the o-line, we have experience! This time last year this position was a HUGE problem. Now, we have returning starters that have and are gaining speed, strength, and weight (10lbs. heavier after winter and before summer workouts). The freshman at this position are also something to be excited about. Antonio Richardson already looks like and SEC tackle, Marcus Jackson is already the strongest guy on the team (and pushing for a starting spot), and Mack Crowder is the first true center the Vols have had in a while not to mention Posey, Kerbyson, and transfer Bullard.

Next will be the wide receiver and tight end — yet another position that I may be overly confident about. The Vols haven’t had this much potential at this position in a while. Future All-American Justin Hunter will be uncoverable this fall and I believe Da’Rick Rogers will make huge strides. The question at this position is who will take Moore, Jones, and Stocker’s place? I’ve already mentioned one and the highly touted freshman Cameron Clear or early enrollee Brendon Downs along with Zach Rogers, Vincent Dallas, or DeAnthony Arnett (young I know, but make your pick) will the guy.

The running back position will be interesting to watch during the spring and fall practices. Although returning starter Tauren Poole had over 1,000 yards last year, he will have some tough competition. Rajion Neal along with freshman Marlin Lane will come in this fall wanting to be the man. This position could possibly be a three-man rotation until a leader emerges. The fullbacks will be fun to watch as well. Even though Channing Fugate is the starter, it will be fun to watch him do some bulldozing. Also, I would look for Toney Williams to be moved to this position?

The quarterback position is already settled. Tyler Bray will be the starter and will spark the offense yet again. Look for him to emerge as one of, if not the top SEC quarterback in the future. Matt Simms and freshman Justin Worley will be battling for back-up; although all signs point to a redshirt season for Worley.

Now the special teams…watching this team in this department was somewhat of a catastrophe last season. Da’Rick came out and established himself as a reliable kick returner but that’s it. The other kick returner and punt returner will be an incoming freshman. Dooley has already stated the favorite is Devrin Young. On the other hand, the Vols are set as far as the kicking and punting duties. Both Matt Darr and Michael Palardy will be solid.

This finishes up my breakdown of this year’s Vols. I, like everyone else, wish the start of the season were tomorrow, but unfortunately we have to wait. Until then, check VolNation day to day and get your fix to hold you over until September 3, 2011.

Thanks,
VolunteerLane