Tennessee Athletics
By Chris Marler
Everyone knew this was going to be a difficult offseason for the Tennessee Vols. We’ve watched it play out in real time.
The moment Josh Heupel put his foot down and didn’t give in to being strong armed by former five-star Nico Iamaleava we all knew. However, their struggles and concerns haven’t been solely limited to who will be taking snaps behind center this season.
Fall camp got underway this week, and it won’t just be the quarterbacks who are new and fresh faces on this roster. According to Adam Sparks of the Knoxville News, 53 of Tennessee’s 109 players will be freshman or redshirt freshman this season. That’s a staggering 49 percent of their roster.
There is a ton of talent amongst that percentage, but the Vols will undoubtedly be the youngest team in the SEC this season.
They’re still especially strong at wide receiver. Even after losing several key contributors from last season, Chris Brazzell and former five-star Mike Matthews return for their second year in the program.
That’s where the newest issue lies.
Youth and inexperience isn’t always something that will be the biggest detriment to a team trying to contend for titles. Injuries to those youthful and inexperienced players will.
Currently that’s the latest, and biggest, predicament the Vols seem to find themselves facing. As of Sunday, only five scholarship wide receivers were available for practice, with four others, including Chris Brazzell and Mike Matthews, sidelined due to injuries.
Heupel has been tremendous in Knoxville, so far. His 30 wins over the last three seasons are the most in a three year span for the Vols since 1998-2000. However, if Tennessee hopes to return to the College Football Playoff, or even reach 10 wins, this might need to be Josh Heupel’s best coaching effort yet.
More SEC News
