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Tennessee football 2022 special teams preview: Kicking should be a huge edge

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 20, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers place kicker Chase McGrath (40) kicks the ball during the second half against the South Alabama Jaguars at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers place kicker Chase McGrath (40) kicks the ball during the second half against the South Alabama Jaguars at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /
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There’s no denying the importance of the kicking game. Gen. Robert Neyland’s sixth game maxim makes that clear. Tennessee football has begun to develop a reputation as Punter U, and when they are at their best, they have had a major advantage when it comes to place kicking as well. That part is crucial.

Both aspects of the game should be solid for the Vols entering this year, as they return everybody involved in actually kicking the ball on special teams who started in 2021. Every part of that was also reliable, so it should actually be better on Rocky Top in 2022. However, it’s not all roses.

In the return game, Tennessee football has a lot of work to do, and that can be a huge part of special teams as well. UT has relied on that in the past. As we get set to preview the Vols’ special teams, we’ll take a look at that aspect along with what’s so strong about the kicking game, breaking down who’s back and newcomers. Let’s start with who’s gone.

Tennessee defensive back Theo Jackson (26), wide receivers Velus Jones Jr. (1), and Walker Merrill (19) walk off the field after the loss to Mississippi in the NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Ole Miss in Knoxville, Tenn. on Sunday, October 17, 2021.Utvom1016
Tennessee defensive back Theo Jackson (26), wide receivers Velus Jones Jr. (1), and Walker Merrill (19) walk off the field after the loss to Mississippi in the NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Ole Miss in Knoxville, Tenn. on Sunday, October 17, 2021.Utvom1016 /

Who’s gone on special teams?

Velus Jones Jr. (Return specialist)

Honestly, there are technically two departures here, as Theo Jackson returned two punts against the Bowling Green Falcons. However, Velus Jones Jr. was the only designated return specialist who’s gone, and he’s a huge loss. Jones was All-SEC for a reason as a returner.

The third-round draft pick by the Chicago Bears averaged over 27 yards a kickoff return on 23 returns while running one back for a touchdown. He averaged an insane 15.1 yards per punt return on 18 punt returns. For as good as he was in the slot, he was better as a returner, and as such, he’ll be missed.

Will Albright (Long snapper)

Recruited as a highly touted long snapper in 2020, Will Albright never won the job and then entered the transfer portal this offseason. He’s technically listed on the roster for 2022, but even if that’s true, it’s as a linebacker, not as a long snapper, so he’s still a departure from this unit.

Daniel Bethel (Place kicker)

A walk-on place kicker, Daniel Bethel entered the transfer portal and joined the Samford Bulldogs. He never saw any action with Tennessee football.

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