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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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Tennessee Outside Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator Coach Mike Ekeler at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game
Tennessee Outside Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator Coach Mike Ekeler at the Orange & White spring game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 24, 2021.Kns Vols Spring Game /

Biggest questions

1. Who steps up as the new return specialists?

It’s the obvious question, but it’s the biggest one. Tennessee football lost a huge weapon in Velus Jones Jr., who handled both punt and kickoff return duties last year. Jimmy Holiday seems like he’s well-equipped to replace Jones on kickoffs, so it really just leaves punt returns up in question. This is a huge advantage that UT doesn’t want to lose.

Related Story. Tennessee football 2022 preview by position: Vols DBs. light

2. Can Chase McGrath become more automatic on longer field goals?

Although he was reliable where he was supposed to be reliable, Chase McGrath was 3-of-6 on field goal attempts 40 yards and beyond. To be fair, he was 3-of-5 from 40 to 49 yards, but if he could hit 50 yarders, he would give the Vols a huge advantage in kicking.

3. Will Paxton Brooks take over kickoff duties again?

This may not seem like a huge question, but if Paxton Brooks does take over as the kickoff specialist once again, as expected, it means he’s fully healthy. That could make for a huge punting advantage the Vols would enjoy, and they would certainly win the field position battle.

Final take

Because of Josh Heupel’s offensive system, field position is mostly irrelevant. Paxton Brooks will be great, but it won’t matter as much. Also, the way they move the ball will make it not as crucial for Chase McGrath to have a big leg, as most of his kicks will be within distance.

Next. 10 most memorable field goals in Vols history. dark

As a result, Tennessee football is fine on both of those fronts. Holiday shows they’ll be fine on kickoff returns too. The only question now is if they can find a punt returner. Christian Charles and De’Shawn Rucker each blocked a punt last year, a huge advantage to Mike Ekeler’s unit, and if they can keep that up, it’ll help with punt returns, but they need a full-time returner.

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