Vols Looking For Top Four Receivers
By Zach Ragan
Sep 22, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Jacob Carter (87) scores a touchdown against the Akron Zips during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee defeated Akron, 47-26. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Tennessee Volunteers wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni is making no secret about it — he wants four receivers to step up as playmakers.
And he doesn’t care which four it is.
"I am going to get the best four guys out there to give us a chance to win. I am going to develop that as we practice and find out who the playmakers are and the playmakers are going to go play and I will teach the position."
Offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian added to that sentiment.
"The guys that can contribute and make plays, they will find the field. Trust is a big factor when it comes to play calling. Can I trust them to be in the right spot and make the play? If you earn our trust you will find your way onto the field."
Tennessee’s quarterback battle is getting more attention, but the fight for playing time at wide receiver could be the most exciting position battle of fall camp.
The Vols’ roster is riddled with talent, albeit young talent, at wide receiver. Players like Vincent Dallas and Pig Howard never had a chance to step up last season, playing in the shadows of Cordarrelle Patterson, Justin Hunter and Zach Rogers.
With those three gone, it’ll be time for the vets to step up.
Both Howard and Dallas play a style that suits the Vols’ new uptempo offense, but Tennessee will also be looking for some vertical playmakers as well.
That’s where true freshman Marquez North comes into play.
North is already drawing rave reviews, after only five practices.
The Charlotte, NC native is exactly what you envision when you think of “Wide Receiver U” — big, strong and fast.
North started fall camp buried on the depth chart, but I don’t expect that to be the case when Tennessee takes the field against Austin Peay.
In fact here’s who I think the top four receivers will be that Azzanni finds during camp.
Pig Howard
Marquez North
Vincent Dallas
Jason Croom
Also, since Azzanni says he wants to travel and play with nine receivers, here’s the other five that should receive adequate playing time.
Cody Blanc
Devrin Young
Jacob Carter
Drae Bowles
Paul Harris
As you can see that still leaves players such as true freshmen Ryan Jenkins and Josh Smith without a spot in the rotation. Jenkins has been very impressive this fall and Smith has even got some first team reps.
Zach Azzanni and Mike Bajakian have some tough decisions ahead of them.
Lucky for them, Tennessee’s wide receiver situation isn’t nearly as bleak as everyone has made it out to be.
For more on the Vols make sure to follow along on Twitter @ZachAFT and @AllforTennessee