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Tennessee football: Five positions battles heading into Vols 2020 spring practice

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: A view of the outside of Neyland Stadium before a game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers on September 15, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: A view of the outside of Neyland Stadium before a game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers on September 15, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images
Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images /

5. Quarterback

Sure, on paper Jarrett Guarantano is the favorite to start in the Fall. But he only played in four full games last year. Of the other nine, he was pulled once because the game was in control, and that was against the Chattanooga Mocs. He was pulled twice due to poor performances, despite going back in one of them, and he didn’t start in the other six games.

Brian Maurer started in four of those games, and JT Shrout started in the other two. As a result, things are a bit open despite Guarantano being a huge part of Tennessee football’s strong finish. All three quarterbacks are back, and to make things more interesting, there are two early enrollees  and a transfer who can play the position as well.

The headliner is Harrison Bailey. A five-star prospect, Bailey is the top recruit in the class, and all signs point to him being the future on Rocky Top. Don’t be surprised if he makes a run at Guarantano, and Maurer and Shrout should definitely be on notice, as Bailey is likely the favorite to be the backup quarterback by the time the season starts.

Meanwhile, Jimmy Holiday, who is a three-star athlete, can also play quarterback. He is known for his speed, so he will also get a look at wide receiver and cornerback. Finally, there is Maryland Terrapins transfer Kasim Hill, who is now eligible to play. He’ll also get a look at the position. Simply put, all six guys could make this a real competition.

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