Tennessee football: Vols top 5 returning underclassmen for 2019 spring practice

The one constant for Tennessee football on offense is Ty Chandler. A dynamic incoming junior who is great in the passing game and on kick returns along with playing running back, Chandler is far and away the Vols’ best playmaker and biggest scoring threat.

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Sure, Jarrett Guarantano and numerous offensive linemen are returning underclassmen. In fact, other running backs like Tim Jordan and Jeremy Banks fit the mold as well. So there are plenty of players on offense.

But Guarantano and the line are super inconsistent and questionable. Jordan, Banks, and even returning receiver Josh Palmer haven’t shown enough flash. That leaves Chandler as the one elite guy out there.

As a result, he’s the top guy on our list. In 2018, Chandler had 115 carries for 630 yards and four touchdowns, and he added 19 receptions for 183 yards and three touchdowns. Oh, he also had seven kickoff returns for 113 yards.

Simply put, Chandler can do everything with the ball in his hands. Jeremy Pruitt and Tyson Helton actually drew criticism for not giving him the ball enough, especially late in the season. Maybe that will change now.

Jim Chaney is all about giving his playmakers a chance to shine. He’s not got all spring to work with Chandler. As a result, you could see a major jump in Chandler’s game by the time Fall camp rolls around, and that’s why he’s so high on this list.