Tennessee football: 10 Vols who need a good spring practice for 2019

Tyler Byrd has had a hectic career on Rocky Top. Once a four-star recruit, he showed flashes as an athlete for two years under Butch Jones at wide receiver. All the claims, however, were that he should be a defensive back. So Jeremy Pruitt tried him out there last year, and all the coaches did was move him back to receiver.

Through that hectic time, Byrd was only able to catch one ball last year. It was a 20-yard touchdown reception in a big game, to be fair. But he was never able to develop any consistency. This year, though, is his chance.

Tennessee football still has no proven slot receiver, and Jim Chaney is going to want a guy in that role immediately. Byrd is the perfect guy to fit it, but he has competition. Most notably, Jordan Murphy, once a four-star who is a year younger than him, also saw action last year. One of the two will likely get the job.

That means they both need a great spring, but Byrd needs it more since he is older. This is his final year. Other senior receivers could also need to make an impression, such as Brandon Johnson, but it’s more likely he take a redshirt if he wants a year to himself. Byrd, though, needs this year. If he can’t win the job this year, he won’t win it next year either.