Vols Football: 5 Players Poised for a Breakout 2015 Season

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

4. Ethan Wolf, Tight End

Butch Jones went in to the 2014 season talking about how he planned to use the tight end more in his second season as Tennessee’s head coach because he and his staff predicate their offense around a strong tight end game. Jones and his staff brought in two 4-star tight ends, Ethan Wolf and Daniel Helm, in the 2014 recruiting class to bolster the position, and 2014 saw a slight rise in production from the tight ends.

But the tight ends were asked to help block in the passing game to alleviate pressure on the offensive line far more often than Jones anticipated heading into the season. Thus, Wolf and Helm did not contribute as much as planned.

Heading into the 2015 season, Wolf is the only remaining tight end from the 2014 class, as Daniel Helm announced after the season that he would transfer to Duke. But the offensive line should be at least somewhat improved, allowing Wolf to show off his receiving ability a bit more as a sophomore for the Vols.

As a freshman, Wolf hauled in 23 catches for 212 yards in 12 overall games and 11 starts. Wolf should get the bulk of the receptions at the tight end position in 2015, and he could become a favorite target of quarterback Josh Dobbs if he is more involved in the passing game.

Wolf has all the measurables and abilities coaches look for in a tight end. He has superb size at 6-foot-5, 240 lbs, can block well in both the passing and run game, and he can catch the ball with regularity.

As long as the offensive line and run game can improve from 2014, Wolf should be able to flourish in 2015. He has all the skill necessary, and he fits well into the offensive system the Vols like to run.