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Tennessee football: What adding Stanford QB transfer Keller Chryst means for Vols

By Ian McBride

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Keller Chryst of Stanford celebrates a Stanford touchdown during the College Football Sydney Cup match between Stanford University (Stanford Cardinal) and Rice University (Rice Owls) at Allianz Stadium on August 27, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Keller Chryst of Stanford celebrates a Stanford touchdown during the College Football Sydney Cup match between Stanford University (Stanford Cardinal) and Rice University (Rice Owls) at Allianz Stadium on August 27, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee football has added Stanford Cardinal graduate transfer quarterback Keller Chryst to its roster. Here’s what his addition means for the Volunteers.

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Fox Sports Knoxville is reporting that former Stanford QB Keller Chryst has committed to the join the Tennessee football team. He joins a trio of Vols quarterbacks and adds depth and a little bit of healthy competition to the roster: Jarrett Guarantano, Will McBride and newcomer JT Shrout.

Guarantano played nine games last season. When he got hurt, McBride had to burn his redshirt to fill in for him. Both have college playing experience. The other starter last year, Quinten Dormady, is transferring.

Chryst was a four-star prospect in the 2014 signing class and played in 23 games for Stanford, starting in 7 games this past season. He has 1901 career passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions. However, he also has a career 55.2% completion percentage and averages only 6.6 yards per attempt.

What does this pick up do for Tennessee football? Some viewed a grad transfer QB as a big need. I’m not so sure that was the case. However adding depth and competition to any position group can be considered a win.

Without this commitment, Tennessee would have gone into next season fairly light on collective QB experience. On the surface, Guarantano does look poised to improve. He laid down some good numbers to build on (86-139 for 997 yards.  4 TD, 2 INT) and could be a solid starter.

The only problem is if Guarantano were to go down. It’s not that the cupboard is bare, but it is extremely inexperienced. McBride had to play because of need, but he was slated to redshirt for a reason-a good reason.

But McBride was not ready, and it was clear watching him play. He has a lot that could develop but he needs that redshirt year back. And Shrout?  Do you think Jeremy Pruitt really want to roll the dice on a true freshman if he can avoid it? JT will benefit immensely from a redshirt as well. Chryst will provide that opportunity for both Shrout and McBride.

Pruitt picking up Chryst will also elevate the level of internal competition in addition to adding depth. I love McBride-the kid has a great last name. But he does not yet have the skills to push Guarantano. Guarantano could have possibly breezed through spring as the clear starter, never having anyone truly nipping at his heels. That will definitely not be the case now.

Chryst has the experience and ability to push Guarantano throughout the spring. He also buys some developmental time for the other young quarterbacks. And, who knows, with a little improvement himself he might take Guarantano’s job.

Next: 10 Vols bound for turnaround under Jeremy Pruitt

One thing is certain, every QB on the roster will have a greater opportunity to improve with Chryst joining the team-very much a net positive effect. I never understood the desperation that some have put on the Vols need to land a grad transfer QB, but I do see this as a very beneficial add for the Tennessee football team.

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