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Projecting Tennessee football’s 2020 depth chart

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers takes a hand off from Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 24-7. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers takes a hand off from Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 24-7. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images
Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images /

Tight end

1. Austin Pope; Redshirt senior

This is contingent on just how hurt Austin Pope is. He recently revealed that he had back surgery due to another herniated disc. Assuming he can go, however, the 6’4″ 235-pound local product is in prime position to replace Dominick Wood-Anderson as Tennessee football’s feature tight end. He has all the experience and physical tools necessary to do so.

Last year, Pope was the main run-blocker among the tight ends, appearing in 11 games to do just that. His versatility allows UT to bring the fullback position in at times. He did have four catches for 21 yards, but Jeremy Pruitt and Jim Chaney value him for his ability to block, and that’s what he’ll bring to the table if he’s able to go this year.

2. Jordan Allen; Redshirt senior

Once a junior college transfer, Pruitt didn’t convert Jordan Allen from outside linebacker to tight end after missing all of last season due to injury for no reason. He wants use out of the guy he brought into his first recruiting class. As a result, expect Allen to play a big role in his fifth-year senior season at the tight end spot.

As we mentioned, Pruitt likes to use multiple tight ends. With Pope’s health in question, Allen, at 6’4″ 241 pounds, could become a major piece of the offense. Rising redshirt junior Princeton Fant, who was last year’s reserve tight end, may also end up playing a key role at 6’2″ 234 pounds. But Pruitt clearly sees something in Allen here, so we’re taking the leap of faith on him.

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