The Tennessee Vols had a big offseason, highlighted by adding defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and completely retooling a defense that ranked near the bottom of the conference in most categories. Tim Banks did some good things in Knoxville, but the Vols needed a fresh approach. Josh Heupel focused most of its portal additions on defense, while also bringing in solid depth on offense at the skill positions and offensive linemen who can compete for starting roles.
Vols reveal themed slate with Texas showdown headlining Neyland’s biggest night
As a result, ESPN released its offseason rankings for every Power Conference team, and the Tennessee Vols landed in the middle of the SEC at No. 8. They weren’t ranked particularly high, but they also weren’t overlooked.
ESPN has Tennessee ranked No. 8 in the SEC offseason rankings
Tennessee didn’t have a bad offseason at all, but not adding a quarterback is going to hold them back in the rankings. There’s just too much unknown with George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon right now. In the what went wrong section, that basically summed up why the Vols didn't rise. They have one of th toughest schedules in the nation next fall, and missing out on Sam Leavitt, Ty Simpson, and Beau Pribula stings, as the Vols now have to start a freshman, which could end up being a good thing. We simply don't know.
On the bright side, the Vols got plenty of praise for the addition of Jim Knowles. He brought over Amaree Campbell, Dejuan Lane, Xavier Gilliam, and hopefully Chaz Coleman to play for the Vols next fall. Add them to a defense that got some other big-time pickups, and it should be a much-improved unit. The good news about whoever stars at quarterback is the fact that they have so many weapons around them. ESPN said, "The winner of the program's quarterback battle will benefit from the presence of 1,000-yard rusher DeSean Bishop, two of Tennessee's top pass catchers from a year ago in Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews, and four returning starters on the offensive line."
The fact that whoever starts gets to reap the benefits of this, and a great play caller in Heupel, is huge. The middling ranking proves that the Vols do have hope for next season, but they could have done more to solidify their position as a playoff contender.
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