Sep 6, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers tight end Ethan Wolf (82) runs the ball against Arkansas State Red Wolves defensive back D.J. Armstead (13) during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Ethan Wolf — Tight End
2014 stats: 22 receptions — 212 yards — 0 TDs
Ethan Wolf was one of the many true freshmen to start for the Volunteers in 2014.
And like many of those true freshmen, there were some growing pains for Wolf.
Wolf’s growing pains, however, weren’t as obvious as some other players. That’s because there were times when Wolf wasn’t much of a factor in the game plan — at all.
Sure, the Ohio native caught at least one pass in the first nine games of his career. That’s quite a feat for a freshman tight end. But Wolf had the potential to a do a lot more.
Early in the season it seemed like the Vols were moving the ball efficiently to start games in part because of a perfect little seam route that Wolf was running. It was a play where it looked like Wolf was open every time.
Of course there were some missed connections. Some overthrown balls and some dropped passes.
The argument could be made that had Wolf simply been more involved in the game plan, then his numbers would’ve been a lot more impressive.
But at the end of the day, the coaching staff knows what is best. If they didn’t get Wolf involved then there must have been a valid reason.
If Wolf can prove during the off-season that he can make a big impact in the passing game, then you’ll see a lot more of him in 2015.