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Tennessee Football 2016 Recap: Ranking the Top 10 Vols Performers of the Season

By Caleb Calhoun

Oct 1, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) hits Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) causing a fumble recovered by Tennessee for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium. Tennessee defeated Georgia 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) hits Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) causing a fumble recovered by Tennessee for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium. Tennessee defeated Georgia 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) during the first quarter against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) during the first quarter against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

He didn’t finish his career with the wins he wanted, but Joshua Dobbs will always be the quarterback who returned Tennessee football to relevance. And that’s a huge deal.

At the same time, Dobbs helped the Vols deal with a swath of injuries all season long, and despite so many issues, he single-handedly carried them to a 9-4 record at times. The only two losses that he didn’t play well in were against the South Carolina Gamecocks and Alabama Crimson Tide.

And while he gets a mulligan against Alabama due to all the injuries, the blame for South Carolina mainly lies with Mike DeBord for not scheming well against Will Muschamp’s defense.

In every other game, Dobbs did his job.

He finished in the Top 5 in the SEC in all passing and rushing quarterback stats, often times leading the conference. He should have been first-team All-SEC, a spot that Jalen Hurts stole.

Dobbs was 225 of 357 for 2,946 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions as a passer. Meanwhile, he added 150 carries for 831 yards and 12 touchdowns.

If the wins were there, he would have almost certainly been a Heisman Trophy candidate.

Dobbs had four games with five total touchdowns and two games with four total touchdowns. He also became a very efficient passer and was an amazing leader for Tennessee football all year. The guy showed he has a chance to be a great NFL quarterback.

And he’s definitely the offensive MVP for the Vols.

But if such a spectacular quarterback is not the top player for the team this year, who is No. 1?

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