Tennessee football’s five biggest spring practice storylines for 2022

3. Which newcomers will make the earliest impact?

There are 13 early enrollees and four transfers on Tennessee football’s roster for spring practice. We’ll discuss the position battles in a separate post, but it’s worth noting that plenty of spots are open in different rotations. Will any of these newcomers make an impact in those races?

Given the position makeup of these players, it’s likely some of them do have a big impact. After all, there are two defensive linemen among the newcomers, and the Vols lost three defensive linemen from last year. Staying in the trenches, there’s a need to replace Cade Mays on the offensive line, and the Vols have four newcomers there.

Two wide receiver spots are open, and there are four commitments at that position who are taking part in spring ball. Then there are two spots open at defensive back, and while there are replacements lined up there, competition will obviously dictate if those replacements are confirmed. Junior college transfer Desmond Williams could throw a wrench in that.

Simply put, while fall camp is generally when the freshmen and newcomers get the first looks, Heupel has the advantage of seeing most of those players in spring ball. As a result, he can open up competition now, and that’ll make things interesting.