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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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KNOXVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 12: A general view of the goalpost before a game between the UCLA Bruins and the Tennessee Volunteers on September 12, 2009 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. UCLA beat Tennessee 19-15. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
KNOXVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 12: A general view of the goalpost before a game between the UCLA Bruins and the Tennessee Volunteers on September 12, 2009 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. UCLA beat Tennessee 19-15. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

Newcomers on special teams

Transfers

Lyn-J Dixon (Return specialist; Clemson Tigers)

  • 5’10” 195 pounds
  • Senior
  • Butler, Ga. (Taylor County High School)

A late addition to address the lack of depth at running back, Lyn-J Dixon has experience as a kickoff returner. He returned 11 kickoffs in three years with Clemson and returned nine in 2020, averaging over 23 yards a return, and as another all-purpose back, he could definitely compete in that role here.

Commitments in 2022 recruiting class

Squirrel White (Return specialist)

  • 5’10” 160 pounds
  • Freshman
  • Birmingham, Ala. (Clay-Chalkville High School)

By far the speediest commitment in Tennessee football’s 2022 recruiting class, Squirrel White stood out in the spring and cold be used in the slot at receiver. He’s got to be a favorite to become either a kickoff or punt returner, particularly with the limited proven options there right now.

Walk-ons

Jackson Ross (Place kicker/Punter)

  • 6’3″ 190 pounds
  • Freshman
  • Melbourne, Australia (Haileybury College)

He’s technically not on the roster yet, but Jackson Ross was a late pickup for Tennessee football. Ross is 22 years old and was a Rugby player but has spent time with Prokick Australia to train for American football kicking, so he should be a huge weapon soon enough.

Josh Turbyville (Place kicker/Punter)

  • 6’1″ 185 pounds
  • Freshman
  • Knoxville, Tenn. (Knoxville Catholic High School)

A local walk-on, Josh Turbyville is on the roster now, and it’ll be interesting to see if he can compete with J.T. Carver for the backup role to Chase McGrath. What he ends up becoming is up in the air for right now.

Bennett Brady (Long snapper)

  • 6’1″ 205 pounds
  • Freshman
  • Memphis, Tenn. (Evangelical Christian School)

Again, Matthew Salansky is the main long snapper, but Bennett Brady is an extra player to give Mike Ekeler the option to maybe run a different snapper on field goals and punts. He could compete to do that.

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