Tennessee football’s five biggest position battles for 2021 spring practice

Tennessee quarterback Brian Maurer (18) warms up before a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020.101720 Tenn Ky Pregame
Tennessee quarterback Brian Maurer (18) warms up before a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020.101720 Tenn Ky Pregame
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Dec 5, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Harrison Bailey (15) warms up before the game against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Harrison Bailey (15) warms up before the game against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

2. Quarterback

This one is the biggest storyline surrounding Tennessee football. The Vols lost Jarrett Guarantano and J.T. Shrout to transfers in the offseason. They return two quarterbacks and add a graduate transfer and four-star recruit in the 2021 class who is an early enrollee.

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Only the freshman, Kaidon Salter, a dual-threat guy, hasn’t started at least one college game. However, given Josh Heupel’s system and the desire for Vol fans to think about the future, he may be the guy who earns the job over all the experienced players. His mobility and experience playing high school ball in Texas give him an advantage.

Virginia Tech Hokies graduate transfer quarterback Hendon Hooker is another dual-threat quarterback and very accomplished when he’s healthy. If Heupel is going for the experienced route, there’s a great chance Hooker lands the job. Landing him during the offseason was one of the last great moves Jeremy Pruitt was able to make.

Harrison Bailey started two games last year as a true freshman for UT and is the only drop-back passer on here. He was a five-star recruit in 2020. Brian Maurer was a three-star in 2019 but started four games in 2019. Both could bring something to the table as well.