Tennessee football: 10 safest starting spots on Vols 2019 roster

This is purely based on production. Tennessee football is loaded at receiver this year with four seniors and two juniors, all of whom were highly touted prospects on the recruiting trail back in the day. Three players on the roster were the leading receiver among these guys in each of the last three years, and another was the spring’s most improved offensive player.

But Marquez Callaway was last year’s leader in receiving, garnering 37 receptions for 592 yards and two touchdowns. That’s more yards in a year than any other receiver on the roster got in a year, so the production is there.

On top of that, Callaway was clocked in at a 4.4 40-time, according to Tee Martin, during this summer, and the 6’2″ 204-pound wideout from Warner Robins, Ga. has proven himself to have great hands, very elusive with the ball in open space and great at winning one-on-one matchups. Simply put, he’s a rare surefire starter at this loaded position.

It’s also worth noting that Callaway was the Vols’ only preseason All-SEC player for 2019, but he got on there as a returner after 14 punt returns for 166 yards and a touchdown last year. He has two punt return TDs for his career. Still, that even increases his security of having a starting spot somewhere, even if it’s at two very deep positions.