Sep 21, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Butch Jones during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
10. How healthy is the football team?
Butch Jones named a number of players who are battling injuries going into the start of Fall camp, some serious and some not. The big question is how healthy some of them can get and when they will be able to get back on the field to contribute to the team.
Backup defensive end LaTroy Lewis has to miss the start of Fall practice due to undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. Jones said he should be ready by the start of the season, but obviously, with surgery you have to keep an eye on everything. So we will want to track Lewis’s progress.
Meanwhile, defensive lineman Trevarris Saulsberry has also been battling injuries that sidelined for more than half the season the past two years. As a result, it is a big question as to whether or not he can stay healthy this preseason.
Then there is backup defensive end Andrew Butcher and backup defensive back Max Arnold. Both players are out for preseason Fall Camp due to injuries, and there is no timetable for their return. So keep an eye on whether or not any more news comes from either of them.
And, as with any football team, watch out for any other injuries that could take place during preseason practice. You’re always holding your nose going into the start of the season. If the injury bug bites, any football team’s season can be ruined. It’s just a very brutal part of this very brutal game.
Next: #9: Off-Field Issues