Vols Football: 5 Players Poised for a Breakout 2015 Season
Nov 1, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) passes against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
1. Josh Dobbs, Quarterback
As if there could be anyone else at the top of this list.
Josh Dobbs surprised just about everyone when he burst on the scene in 2014 as a sophomore when he took over for an injured Justin Worley at the end of the season. Dobbs had a lackluster freshman campaign in 2013, and many fans had begun to question whether or not he had what it took to be an SEC quarterback.
But Dobbs answered the bell, amassing 300 passing yards and 100 rushing yards against the South Carolina Gamecocks in his first start of 2014, leading the Vols to an improbable 45-42 overtime victory in Columbia, SC. He followed up that performance with a solid rest of the season, impressing fans and media alike in his second season as a Vol.
In just 6 games (5 starts) in his sophomore season, Dobbs threw for 1,206 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions, adding 469 rushing yards and a team-high 8 rushing touchdowns. His mobility opened up the offense significantly, and he looked more comfortable in the offense with another season of learning under his belt.
At times, Dobbs still looked inconsistent, overthrowing receivers and making some questionable decisions. But overall, Dobbs looked vastly improved from the skinny freshman that took the field in 2013. But his biggest test will come in 2015.
Dobbs will have plenty of weapons to throw to in 2015, and the offensive line should be at least improved enough to provide him with more protection than last season. Add in Hurd and Kamara at running back to take the pressure of Dobbs in the running game, and Dobbs almost couldn’t ask for a better situation.
The 2015 season will be a telling season for a lot of young players on Tennessee’s roster, but none look more prepared to have a breakout season than Josh Dobbs. The Vols’ success will likely ride on his shoulders in 2015, and he has the potential to take them to great heights.