Evaluating the Tennessee Vols Recruiting Class at Dead Period: Tight Ends
Sep 28, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers tight end A.J. Branisel (86) catches a touchdown pass against the South Alabama Jaguars during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
With 12 commitments at the dead period, here is an evaluation of the 2016 Tennessee Vols Recruiting class so far and a look at other prospects they are pursuing. This post examines the tight end situation.
For the past two years, Butch Jones has been finding diamonds in the rough to become tight ends for the Tennessee Volunteers, and they have worked out to a degree. After all, that’s the way to go when your focus is on being Wide Receiver U.
But that is changing for this upcoming class.
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Jones has already brought in two tight ends for the 2016 class, and he is still out on the recruiting trail. This is a way for him to keep true to his word that, even if the Vols are running what is considered a spread offense, they will remain a physical team that takes care of the football.
The situation at tight end right now is fine with sophomore Ethan Wolf as long as he stays healthy. Wolf is a reliable pass-catching tight end and has a very rare size at the position at 6’5″ 240 pounds.
With him, the Vols could be set at the position for three years. But depth in the future could be a problem. Senior Alex Ellis was rewarded with a surprise scholarship for his efforts, and he is fortunately another over-achiever who will help out at the position this year.
Redshirt Sophomore A.J. Branisel also sets the Vols up for help at the future coming off of an injury. He and Wolf should have the position in good shape.
But now, the area could be extremely deep. Let’s first analyze who is coming next year to help out, then we’ll talk about where to go from there.
Next: 2016 Tight End Commitments