Tennessee football 2018 preview by position: Vols WRs
Projected slot receivers
1. Tyler Byrd; Junior; 6’0″ 195 lbs; Naples, Fla.
Tennessee football has a few questions at the slot position. It’s so uncertain that this guy, Tyler Byrd, tried out on defense in the spring. And we have him projected to be the starting slot receiver for the Vols this year.
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Yes, it’s a bit odd. But Byrd has shown flashes for the Vols the past two years. There’s no reason to believe he can’t be a very good contributor when given the role full-time. Remember, this guy did have over 200 receiving yards as a backup in 2016.
Should Byrd get the full chance to thrive, he will be able to be major playmaker. With Josh Smith out of the way, there’s reason to believe his return to the slot will be very welcome for Tyson Helton. Even if the Vols needed him for help at defensive back, his ability to make plays is clear. Coaches just need to use him right.
2. Latrell Williams; Sophomore; 5’11” 175 lbs; Lake City, Fla.
Tennessee football found Latrell Williams out of the blue with Larry Scott on the staff. He’s gone now, but Williams still figures to play a role for the Vols in the slot this year. Although he won’t start, he’ll be a gadget receiver.
Williams is a speedster. So the Vols will use him on four-wide receiver sets, and they should be able to use him on trick plays and reverses. He’s a perfect fit for the motion that Helton likes to run, and that could create numerous mismatches in the passing game. So expect him to finally show great flashes this year.