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Tennessee football: 10 things to watch for in 2021 spring game

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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Players huddle at an open University of Tennessee spring football practice at Neyland Stadium, Saturday, April 10, 2021.Utpractice0410 0021
Players huddle at an open University of Tennessee spring football practice at Neyland Stadium, Saturday, April 10, 2021.Utpractice0410 0021 /

8. Which players return punts and kickoffs?

With Mike Ekeler running special teams, you have to think Tennessee football will return to an emphasis on the return game. However, Velus Jones Jr. is the only returning player with any return game experience. As a result, the kickoff and punt return roles could be wide open, and that’s an area where the Vols need to put some emphasis.

Given how overmatched they are likely to be this year, a solid return game could neutralize the struggles we all expect to occur on Rocky Top in 2021. It’s something that Josh Heupel and his staff have to be aware of as well, so you know they’re focusing on it this spring.

Ekeler hasn’t had any return touchdown on his watch the past two years, but Heupel did coach Otis Anderson in 2019. Also, don’t forget 2015, when Ekeler coached Isaiah McKenzie and Reggie Davis while he was with the Georgia Bulldogs, who combined for three punt return touchdowns. They know how to create playmakers here.

All this leads us back to the question as to who will take over return duties, and there should be a hint of that on Saturday. With Eric Gray and Bryce Thompson gone, the race is wide open, but it’s one worth paying attention to.

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