Tennessee football 2022 preview by position: TE

Biggest questions

1. How much more will Josh Heupel use tight ends in the passing game with two receivers gone?

Given the fact that Princeton Fant and Jacob Warren combined for fewer than 400 yards last year, Tennessee football didn’t use them that much in the passing game. However, the Vols just lost their slot receiver and No. 2 wideout in Velus Jones Jr. and JaVonta Payton, so their roles could increase this year. Pay attention to how Alex Golesh uses them.

2. Will everything still be by-committee with Princeton Fant and Jacob Warren?

In addition to potentially incorporating them more into the passing game, if Princeton Fant or Jacob Warren stands out and begins to take on a larger role by himself, that player could turn into a national sensation. However, a by-committee system may be what’s needed.

3. Who is most ready to step in if Princeton Fant or Jacob Warren get hurt?

As we already mentioned, Miles Campbell is in line to replace Fant, and Charlie Browder is in line to replace Warren if either gets hurt. However, are they both ready? If not, who will be the one to move into the rotation if either gets hurt? That’ll be key, as injuries are part of the game.

Final take

The future for Tennessee football is great at tight end given the young talent and what Josh Heupel has done on the recruiting trail, but for this year, he’s got the perfect two guys in Fant and Warren to help the Vols transition into that future. Both are seniors and complement each other.

This year, there’s more depth with Browder and Campbell, and both of those guys could see action this year. Expect little change at the position from last year given the personnel, but there could be more reliance on them given the players who left at other positions.