Today On Rocky Top: Are The Vols Underrated?

From SB Nation

"So consider me pleasantly surprised that the pollsters are tapping the brakes. The Vols ranked 25th in the preseason coaches poll; in the SEC hierarchy, that puts them behind Arkansas and Missouri and ahead of Mississippi State and Texas A&M. And it nearly matches their projected No. 26 ranking in the upcoming Football Outsiders Almanac 2015. It is a fair spot, and Jones’ Vols will have a chance to exceed expectations.Read more at SB Nation"

From The Times Free Press

"John Jancek may feel good about just about every part of Tennessee’s defense.It’s the one area of concern, though, that may cause the defensive coordinator the most consternation this month.Heading into the season the Volunteers have yet to find who will fill the void left by A.J. Johnson and his 425 career tackles — the second-most in the history of the program — in what is easily the biggest question a promising defense must answer during its preseason preparations.Read more at The Times Free Press"

From The Tennessean

"Jalen Hurd added about 15 pounds this offseason, and it shows.But it’s his new approach to practice, not the revamped body type, that is the most striking difference in camp so far, offensive coordinator Mike DeBord said.In one of Tennessee’s first three practices of preseason camp, Hurd had a blocking assignment that never showed up. Instead of giving up on the play, Hurd instantly looked downfield.Read more at The Tennessean"