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Tennessee football: 10 safest starting spots on Vols 2019 roster

By Caleb Calhoun

LEXINGTON, KY - OCTOBER 28: Daniel Bituli #35 and Nigel Warrior #18 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrate a recovered fumble against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - OCTOBER 28: Daniel Bituli #35 and Nigel Warrior #18 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrate a recovered fumble against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Honorable Mentions

These are likely safe starting spots but ones with some competition.

Joe Doyle; Punter; Redshirt Sophomore

Joe Doyle continued Tennessee football’s tradition of Punter U and followed in Trevor Daniel’s footsteps of being a walk-on to beat out a highly touted prospect, this time in Paxton Brooks, to win the role. He showed potential with over 41 yards a punt, 12 of 65 going over 50 yards, 23 going inside the 20, 28 being fair-caught and a long of 71. However, Brooks is still the kickoff specialist, so Doyle could lose his job to Brooks if he’s not careful. His production is the only reason he has a mention.

Jauan Jennings; Wide Receiver; Redshirt Senior

Jauan Jennings is likely to not just start but be the No. 1 guy at wide receiver. Like Marquez Callaway, he’s on there due to production. However, his injury questions and the depth at the position still leave a slight possibility that he’ll come off the bench, which is why we have him as an honorable mention for now entering his fifth-year senior season.

Related Story. Tennessee football 2019 season preview. light

Brandon Kennedy; Offensive Lineman; Redshirt Senior

With Brandon Kennedy’s return to center, Tennessee football can move Ryan Johnson back over to guard. That upgrades the Vols at two spots, giving them a great chance already at being better next year. However, Kennedy has to be an honorable mention because Johnson did develop at center, and we can’t be sure how healthy he’ll be coming off a season-ending injury. Those things keep him here.

Josh Palmer; Wide Receiver; Junior

Again, like Jauan Jennings and Marquez Callaway, Josh Palmer is a favorite to start. But while Jennings has the injury concern, Palmer, the favorite to start in the slot after being the most improved offensive player in the spring, simply has a lack of proven production as a slot guy. Jordan Murphy and Tyler Byrd have more speed, so it will still depend on how Jim Chaney wants to run things. But Palmer clearly is a major favorite, which is why we put him on the list.

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