6’4″ 230 pounds; Hometown: Lodi, N.J.
The South Carolina Gamecocks have an elite secondary that returns everybody, and they have a defensive genius for a head coach in Will Muschamp. Tennessee football, meanwhile, has to replace both go-to receivers in Marquez Callaway and Jauan Jennings, and as we mentioned, they scored all the offensive touchdowns against USC last year.
As a result, the Vols will have their work cut out for them when they have to pass the ball, and that means it all comes down to the quarterback. We know about Jarrett Guarantano’s inconsistencies and his issues with accuracy. Those are things he can’t afford to struggle with when he throws the ball at Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday. Quarterbacks coach Chris Weinke likely knows that.
Guarantano has to help bring along Josh Palmer, Brandon Johnson and Ramel Keyton. He will also be responsible for the proper check downs, throwing it to whichever tight end gets the nod. Jim Chaney will do what he can, but the fact of the matter is it’s on Guarantano to make the plays. He may not be able to torch the Gamecocks deep again this year like he did last year.
Given the personnel in Columbia, S.C., Guarantano’s big arm and ability to take hits in the pocket won’t be as necessary in this game. He’ll need more precision in a way that keeps the defense just honest enough. If he’s able to do that, the Vols will be in great position to win this game.