It’s been a few years since Vol fans could be excited about their passing game heading into a new season.
In 2012, fans of the Big Orange could get behind players like Tyler Brady, Justin Hunter, Cordarrelle Patterson and Mychal Rivera.
Since the mass exodus of those players mentioned, following the 2012 season, the outlook hasn’t been quite the same.
A new coaching staff, unsettled quarterback position and rebuilding of the roster will do that sort of thing.
But now, with Josh Dobbs firmly entrenched as the Vols’ starting quarterback, the outlook for the passing game is bright once again.
Tennessee has talent and experience at the wide receiver position and they also have a solid running game to perfectly complement offensive coordinator Mike DeBord’s air attack.
The first year Vols offensive coordinator said after practice on Monday that the passing game is “continuing to get better and better”. He also added that Dobbs, specifically, has impressed him. DeBord practically gushed about the third-year quarterback on Monday.
"DeBord: “His accuracy is really good. Right now, he’s getting better every practice. I just see it coming for him and I’m really excited about that. I think he’s always had great work ethic. He’s always been a hard worker. He’s always spending extra time. He does all the little things that you have to do at quarterback.”"
It’s been a while since we’ve heard Tennessee coaches this excited about the offense.
There are obviously some lofty expectations on the Volunteers this season, but there’s little to suggest that they can’t meet or exceed the goals set before them.
2015 might not be the year that Tennessee makes the College Football Playoff for the first time, but it’s setting up to be a special season on Rocky Top.