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Tennessee football: Top 10 winners from Vols 2019 spring practice

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Josh Palmer #84 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs for yards after a catch during a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Josh Palmer #84 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs for yards after a catch during a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images /

Tennessee football was supposed to be already set at wide receiver. The rotation was clear. However, what was and still is not clear is who would be the No. 1 wideout, the No. 2 wideout and the slot guy.

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Jauan Jennings is the big-play guy. Marquez Callaway is probably the best receiver with the ball in his hands. But Jeremy Pruitt and Jim Chaney with new receivers coach Tee Martin were likely looking for the best fundamental wide receiver, which came down to a few guys.

Well, Josh Palmer was the one to stand out there. Palmer was named the most improved offensive player in the spring, allowing him to play with the first-team offense. That’s a testament to his overall spring play.

After making some big plays last year, similar to Daniel Bituli on defense, being most improved unlocks a ton of potential for the 6’2″ 204-pound junior. Considering the potential was always there but he had limited experience simply playing football, everybody was just waiting for him to take that next leap. Being most improved suggests he did, which is a big deal.

On top of that, Palmer came through in the spring game. Jennings was still the star receiver with five receptions for 57 yards and two touchdowns. But Palmer did his part with three receptions for 25 yards and a touchdown. That touchdown, by the way, was a miraculous catch on a crossing route as time expired heading into halftime, demonstrating his athletic skills as well.

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This year, Tennessee football figures to have a deep receiver rotation, and Palmer taking another step unlocks a ton of potential for the offense. By being named the most improved offensive player and standing out somewhat in the spring, he’s got a huge chance to emerge into a star. And that’s why he’s the biggest winner from spring ball.

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