Team 120 - 2016 Tennessee Volunteers Football Thread

[WestEndVol]

Vols' freshman receivers making 'statement' with summer work

Tennessee's young wideouts are expected to bring athleticism and elusiveness to the position. Byrd (6 foot, 195 pounds) and Callaway (6-2, 190) are likely to be the most capable playmakers in the group at the start, while Williams (5-11, 175) is a Florida speedster. Johnson, the most unheralded recruit of the group, packed 15 pounds on his 6-foot-2 frame this spring and showed up on campus at 190. He's been a surprise this summer with his polish and catching ability.

Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin said he watches the offense throw every day and is impressed with how the freshmen receivers have been working.

"Brandon Johnson, he's smooth," Reeves-Maybin said. "Marquez Callaway and Latrell Williams, they all bring something different. I've had fun watching those receivers. This whole freshman class as a whole, they work. They have no big egos. There was no, 'I'm coming in and I'm this star or that star.' Those guys work. They're a part of us, and those guys are catching on fast. It's been fun to see."

 

[WestEndVol]

 

[WestEndVol]

 

[WestEndVol]

We've been reporting that Tennessee has been looking for a running back replacement for Joe Young in the class of 2016 and we can confirm that Oklahoma running back Jeremy Lewis (6-1, 190) has been added to the roster and enrolled in school this month and will practice in August when fall camp opens.

Lewis became a late qualifier as academics limited his options on signing day but he ran for over 3,000 yards his senior season and signed with Trinity Valley Community College in February.

This doesn't change the outlook at the 2017 running back board as Cam Akers and Ty Chandler remain the Vols' biggest priorities in a year where they must sign ready to play running backs.

But, Lewis should add some depth and another option once Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara leave after this season in all likelihood.

-Fortenberry

 

[WestEndVol]

 

[WestEndVol]

 

[WestEndVol]

 

[WestEndVol]

2016 Playoff Prediction

TENNESSEE had Oklahoma beat but blew a 4th quarter lead, gave up a 4th & 14 touchdown in the final minute to Florida, and led Alabama in the 4th quarter. With 18 starters returning, we feel this is Tennessee's breakthrough year and those close losses will reverse as they host Florida and Alabama. The SEC title game will be a rematch with Alabama, and we assume they will run the 11 other games and split the Alabama series.

 

[WestEndVol]

 

[WestEndVol]

 

[WestEndVol]

 

[006]

 

[006]

 

[WestEndVol]

 

[WestEndVol]

 

[WestEndVol]

 

[WestEndVol]

 

[WestEndVol]

 

[WestEndVol]

 

[WestEndVol]