Top 10 Ways to Define Success for the 2015 Tennessee Vols Football Season

Nov 29, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) and quarterback Josh Dobbs (11) prior to the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

10. Individual Postseason Recognition

Despite a lot of young talent, the Tennessee Vols have a chance to have lots of players win impressive postseason awards. Jalen Hurd and Joshua Dobbs are both on offensive preseason awards watch lists, and Curt Maggitt, Cameron Sutton, and Derek Barnett are receiving recognition on the defensive side.

On top of that, there are plenty of players who could make even more noise with a surprise breakout season. Drew Richmond, Kahlil McKenzie, Shy Tuttle, Kyle Phillips, Dillon Bates, and Darrin Kirkland, Jr. are all freshmen who could become starters this year if things break their way, making it very possible for the Vols to have a freshman All-American somewhere.

Then, there are other newcomers like Alvin Kamara who could become a part of the national discussion along with returning potential stars such as Marquez North, Jashon Robertson, and Josh Malone if they all reach their potential.

But this is always the least relevant way to determine if this season is a success.

It is one measure, because if you have players receiving postseason awards, it usually means you had a good season. But obviously, having players receive the awards will not grant your team extra wins or anything like that.

Still, it is something exciting to follow, and with luck the Vols will have a few players at the end of the year receiving some postseason recognition, even if the Heisman trophy continues to elude Knoxville. There are certainly candidates to receive major awards.

And, that should at least be the sign of a good year.

Next: #9: Making the College Football Playoff