Tennessee football: Five encouraging signs for Vols despite 0-2 start

2. Playmakers have been identified. 

One of Tennessee football’s issues last year was the Vols’ inability to utilize their playmakers, specifically on offense. What was supposed to be an elite group of weapons was never able to consistently get the ball, somewhat due to Tyson Helton’s play-calling and somewhat due to the awful pass protection.

This year, though, some of those anticipated playmakers have stepped up. Now that he’s fully healthy, Jauan Jennings has proven just how much of a playmaker and a leader he is. And he is also a clutch player, catching late touchdown passes both games and also a fourth down touchdown pass off a tipped ball.

Meanwhile, Ty Chandler, despite a couple of uncharacteristic fumbles in the opener, has proven himself to be the playmaker we expected him to be. When they have gotten the chance, Marquez Callaway and Dominick Wood-Anderson have proven themselves, and Eric Gray is emerging as a freshman.

On defense, Henry To’oTo’o’s development in the second game showed his potential at linebacker. Darrell Taylor has proven he’s back. And most importantly, LaTrell Bumphus has emerged as one superstar on the defensive line, having already registered two sacks and a fumble recovery this year.

Now, more players need to step up. And to be fair, it’s only been two games. But guys in the secondary in particular need to make more plays, as does Jarrett Guarantano at quarterback. At this point, though, you can see the talented guys who will step up. Some of those guys are very young players. So that’s a very encouraging sign for Rocky Top.