Tennessee Football: Five Bold Predictions for the 2015 Vols

Nov 22, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers place kicker Aaron Medley (25) kicks a field goal to tie the game against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

2. Tennessee Will Have One All-American on Special Teams

This is a bit of an odd prediction, but it is one that will definitely come true when you look at the weapons the Vols have here. Let’s start with the least likely spot.

Butch Jones has the punting spot still open right now, but Tommy Townsend has a ton of potential, Nate Renfro is a proven solid punter, and despite both of those Trevor Daniel, a walk-on took the job, probably because he was that good. That means that there is a chance he or one of the other two punters could receive the recognition with a good enough season.

On to the more likely candidates, let’s move over to Aaron Medley. Medley has a ton of leg strength, and as a true freshman last year he demonstrated accuracy by missing only one kick within 40 yards. He was atrocious beyond 40 yards, but with the leg there, he just needs to work on consistency and accuracy, which he apparently did in the offseason.

That calls for an elite sophomore season, which tend to be the best years for Tennessee kickers anyway unless they are Jeff Hall.

In the return game, Evan Berry was already recognized as a freshman All-American this past year due to his performance as a kick returner, averaging 29.5 yards per return and bringing back 14 kicks for 413 yards, including a 68-yarder.

Going into this year, he should resume those duties, and he is due to break one off for a touchdown. When that happens, don’t be surprised when he gets national recognition.

Between Medley and Berry and the potential at punter, somebody is bound to be a special teams All-American for the Vols this year. My money is on Medley.

Next: #1: Tennessee Will be in the SEC East Race in November