Tennessee football: 5 Vols most likely to benefit from Jim Chaney hire

Jim Chaney’s preferences allow guys like Jordan Murphy, Marquez Callaway and Dominick Wood-Anderson to benefit in his system. But his actual coaching abilities are what let a guy like Jarrett Guarantano thrive.

Simply put, Chaney is a quarterback guru. He developed Drew Brees while with the Purdue Boilermakers. Then, with Tennessee football he helped Tyler Bray set records. And he then turned Nathan Peterman into a college star with the Pittsburgh Panthers.

We know about his ability to maximize quarterbacks no matter who was starting with the Georgia Bulldogs. And when you look at Brees, Peterman and then Jacob Eason and Jake Fromm, he can work with anybody. But it is also clear is he has a type. Chaney thrives with the quarterbacks who have big arms and are willing to stand in the pocket.

Despite questionable decision making and accuracy, Guarantano has those two things. So there’s no reason to believe that Chaney can’t turn him into a star as well. His player profile alone puts him in great hands.

Remember, Tyson Helton focused far too much on quick, short accurate throws from Guarantano. Chaney will go back to the deep ball while making sure he gets rid of it fast so he doesn’t get hit. That puts the upcoming junior in great hands.