Nov 15, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers place kicker Aaron Medley (25) attempts a field goal against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 50 to 16. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Special Teams: B+
The Vols added an immediate impact special teams player in the 2014 class in kicker Aaron Medley, and it looks as though they’ll once again turn to a freshman in 2015 to start.
Punter Tommy Townsend, the 7th best punter in the country, will be the only scholarship punter on Tennessee’s roster in 2015, and he’ll likely be forced to start. But luckily for the Vols, Townsend appears to be quite the talent. He was an U.S. Army Bowl selection and is the brother of current Florida Gators punter Johnny Townsend.
The Vols also added the No. 1 long snapper in the country in Riley Lovingood. A long snapper never gets talked about unless he messes up, and the Vols have seen that happen in crucial moments before. Lovingood should hold down that position for the next four years and help keep Tennessee’s special teams running smoothly.
Not only did the Vols add a solid punter and long snapper, but several of the other athletes in the 2015 class were dynamic punt and kick returners in high school, and those players should get a shot at returning punts and kicks for the Vols in 2015.