The Vols will go into the week with 3 QB’s listed as the starter. South Carolina will have to prepare for multiple guys it seems. PHOTO: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Butch Jones addressed the media for his weekly press conference Monday afternoon, and he offered up several updates on injuries and some insights into the depth chart.
Jones says defensive tackle Owen Williams and offensive guard Marcus Jackson will be available for the Vols for Saturday’s game against South Carolina. Offensive tackle Coleman Thomas is questionable, and defensive tackle Trevarris Saulsberry and wide receiver Josh Smith will not be available.
Jones says a medical redshirt is possible for Josh Smith if “he cannot go for the stretch run” coming up, but he’s hesitant to do so because he “hates to take away a year from a guy” if he doesn’t have to.
Justin Worley is expected to practice this week, and Jone says they will up his reps and what they do with him heading into Saturday’s game.
Depth Chart
Three co-starters are listed at quarterback for the Vols, as Justin Worley, Nathan Peterman, and Josh Dobbs are all listed as starters. Jones says he craves competition with his quarterbacks, saying “quarterback at Tennessee is earned.” Jones also does not rule out using a two-quarterback system to keep some carries off of the starter and keep hits to a minimum.
Brett Kendrick is listed as the starter at left tackle, and Kyler Kerbyson is listed as the starter at right tackle. Marcus Jackson, who missed the Alabama game, is listed back at his left guard position.
Josh Malone is still listed ahead of Von Pearson at wide receiver, and the punt and kick returners are the same, with Cam Sutton listed as the punt returner and Evan Berry and Malik Foreman are at kick returner.