Kickoff Returners
1. Eric Gray
Freshman, 5’10” 195 pounds
The future Ty Chandler, Eric Gray is an athletic four-star running back who may compete to be in the rotation for Tennessee football when the season begins. But if he doesn’t get there, Jeremy Pruitt will definitely use him on special teams. Gray is an elite ball-carrier, so this is his wheelhouse more than anything else.
2. Bryce Thompson
Sophomore, 5’11” 184 pounds
The Vols may limit Bryce Thompson more this year than they did last year on kickoffs because of the regular he will become as the starting cornerback. But they still should use him. Thompson is a huge mismatch on kickoff returns and has a ton of athletic ability. He can help out Gray at the very least to be on specific returns.
Punt Returners
1. Trevon Flowers
Sophomore, 5’11” 189 pounds
Trevon Flowers is starting, just like Thompson, but he’s not as valuable yet in the secondary. There’s more reliable depth behind him. As a result, the Vols can use his athletic ability on punt returns, and he’d be a major asset for them there. He has a ton of athletic ability and can cover a lot of ground, which shows how good he can be with the ball in his hands.
2. Ty Chandler
Junior, 5’11” 201 pounds
Similar to Bryce Thompson, Ty Chandler is a rare talent that the Vols will want to use on some return plays. But he’s so valuable in the offense that if they have other good options, they should go there first. Still, Chandler should get some touches as a returner, and he likely will. He’s just too good to keep out of there, as he’s likely the best overall returner on the team.