Volquest player encyclopedia

D.J. Henderson – The junior college defensive back has spent a good bit of time this month in a green non-contact jersey for an undisclosed injury and the mid-term enrollee is trying to find his footing in the secondary and on special teams. The secondary is more talented and more competitive than it's been in a long time. Henderson could factor in on special teams, but is going to have to be more productive if he's going to have a role in the secondary.

Austin Smith – Smith is at home now as a defensive end after trying to play outside linebacker a season ago. Physically he seems much more suited to come off the edge as opposed to playing in space. However, Smith has not gotten contact work this pre-season after shoulder surgery last spring. With him not 100% and with a defensive end group that can go 6 deep without him, one wonders if Smith is not a candidate to redshirt this season. Butch Jones won't say, but with depth and no contact work it would appear to be a possibility.

Emmanuel Moseley – Moseley is poised to be the starter next Thursday night after beating out Justin Martin for the job. Moseley has had a very solid fall with a handful of interceptions and has consistently been in position to make plays. The next step for Moseley's team is to do a better job of turning in position to make plays to making more plays. He and Martin will continue to battle this fall at the cornerback position and much like a season ago, both will play. It's a position that is going to face a heavy workload every week as team's are much more likely to attack that cornerback spot as they are attacking Cam Sutton.

Malik Foreman – After a big close to the 2015 season from a game saving play against South Carolina to an interception in the Outback Bowl, Foreman has more confidence than he's ever had. He's also got more of a challenge than he's ever had for playing time thanks to the depth Willie Martinez enjoys in the secondary. Two weeks ago thanks to the play of both Micah Abernathy and Nigel Warrior, Rashaan Gaulden was moved to nickelback to battle Foreman and Gaulden has performed well. Like other secondary positions, Martinez has openly talked about rotating and playing more guys in his defensive backfield. Foreman doesn't appear to be the starter at nickel over Gaulden but the veteran will get snaps on defense and special teams as well.

Quarte Sapp – The sophomore talent got rave reviews in the spring when he was all over the field making tackles. Sapp's athletic ability and talent is not a question at all. His challenge is to continue to be more consistent. Earlier this week, Jalen Reeves-Maybin praised Sapp's improvement this month. Sapp will play a big role on special teams and Shoop would like to play him some on defense to spell his senior captain. However, given Reeves-Maybin's importance to the defense both mentally and physically taking him off the field is not a given. To have any kind of rotation at that linebacker spot, Sapp has to become more consistent eliminating mental busts.

Dillon Bates – Bates is a player fans ask about every day. Given his ranking and his family legacy at Tennessee, the expectations for Bates have long been very lofty. Bates has had two things working against him. One, he's been unable to stay healthy. He has missed several days this month and two, struggled to find a position. The experiment at middle linebacker didn't work. And rarely does this defense play 3 linebackers so finding snaps outside of special teams is hard. If Bates can stay healthy he will factor on special teams, but right now it's hard to seeing him be must of a factor defensively unless there is a rash of injuries.

Colton Jumper – After some struggles in the second half against Oklahoma and to start the game at Florida, Darrin Kirkland, Jr. took over at middle linebacker and took off last season. Kirkland has had a great fall camp and is the glue in the middle for Bob Shoop. However, the walk-on Jumper has earned plenty of praise from Shoop this month as he will start the season as the #2 middle linebacker. Part of what Shoop loves about Jumper is his knowledge of the defensively and the ability to get everyone lined up. Shoop also feels with the experience from last season Jumper is playing faster and more instinctively. But it's hard to seek Kirkland coming off the field in any critical situation.

Stephen Griffin — Griffin is part of a log-jam of talent at the safety position. He’s had a solid camp, earning some serious praise from Bob Shoop. He’s a long, rangy playmaker who can cover some ground in the back end. The fact that Griffin will have trouble getting on the field at safety this fall speaks volumes about the Vols’ depth there.

Baylen Buchanan — Buchanan was one of the early surprises of camp, and the first newcomer to have his ‘black stripe’ removed. He’s continued to be a steady performer, impressing coaches with his play, but also with what some have deemed uncommon consistency for a freshman.

Evan Berry — He missed a big chunk of camp early while nursing a hamstring, but has been back in action for the last week. Berry will once again figure prominently on special teams where he’s an electric kick returner with three career TDs and an incredible 38.3 yard average on returns in 2015.

OFFENSE

Jalen Hurd — Poised to become the leading rusher in Tennessee history, Hurd has been limited in fall camp in an effort to keep him healthy. He won't admit it, but he is privately motivated by the praise for other backs in the SEC and the country. The use of a fullback/H-Back like we saw in the bowl game will give Hurd more opportunities to get downhill and if that happens then watch out.

Jarrett Guarantano — The New Jersey native has made waves this fall in the way he carries himself on the field and by showing off his big time arm. Guarantanto may not play this fall, but it's clear to see why the coaching staff loves him and all the physical and mental intangibles that he brings to the position. He has a clear presence about him that exudes future starter.

Josh Malone — Arguably Tennessee's best receiver, Malone says he feels 100% for the first time in a long time. The middle Tennessee native became the go-to target last season for quarterback Josh Dobbs and that connection will get plenty of opportunities this fall. The coaching staff has credited him for being the best route runner on the team and he's gotten tougher with more experience.

John Kelly — Butch Jones kicked off his fall media availability praising Kelly. The Detroit native has taken advantage of the opportunities placed in front of him with the staff wanting to keep Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara healthy. Jones made it clear that #4 will have a greater role in the offense this fall. The question becomes will that effect Kamara or Hurd? Probably not, but it's apparent that they have full trust in the sophomore.

Alvin Kamara — Kamara decided to return for his junior year with the notion that he will see more play making chances. I'd expect him to see more balls come his way in the passing game and he will get a steady dose of edge runs in the running game. He's also going to get reps as a returner on special teams just like last year where he got into the end zone. "Lightning" won't just strike twice. It will strike several times for Kamara this season.

Preston Williams — Williams played sparingly last year and made great strides in the spring. The Georgia native should get lots of chances this fall with the lack of depth at wideout. He's the most physically gifted of the Tennessee receivers and if the consistency arrives then opposing defenses will have a tough time keeping him bottled up. He's long, lean and has the speed to make the toughest catches look simple.

Latrell Williams – It's really hard to have a feel for Williams as the Vols head into game week. The signing day commitment/addition to the Vols missed most of fall camp with a tender hamstring. The summer time returns on him were good as everyone noted his speed. But the injury really prevented him from showing that in August.

Marquez Callaway – It's a little odd to hear a coach praise a receiver for his catching skills but that's what offensive coordinator Mike DeBord said he liked most about Callaway. The praise is for good reason as the true freshman hasn't let many balls hit the ground. Callaway isn't the fastest receiver, but he has great hands and has been good in traffic. Callaway has progressed well through camp and has had his best week to date. He's not one of the four freshman on a redshirt path. Callaway will play in the opener.

Tyler Byrd – Everyone wondered how Byrd would adjust to being a full time receiver. Larry Scott who recruited and signed Byrd summed it up best a week ago – Tyler Byrd is just a football player. No matter the position, Byrd will excel and that's been the case this pre-season as a receiver. Byrd has caught the ball well and has really worked to be a solid route runner. He's a freshman and he won't be perfect, but without question he's a guy that got everyone's attention the first day of practice and he's held a captive audience every since.

Quinten Dormady – After a slow start in spring practice and the arrival of highly acclaimed Jarrett Guarantano, many wondered how Dormady would respond. He had to or he would have been passed on the depth chart, but the Texas native has had a solid camp and seems to be performing his best here at the end of the month earning plenty of praise for his scrimmage work, particularly Monday afternoon. With his body of work, Dormady enters the season as Josh Dobbs' back up.

Josh Dobbs – The senior captain has heard all the talk about his accuracy and is tired of answering questions about it. The bottom line is that he has been more accurate this August. By no means perfect but he has been better. Dobbs also has thrown the deep ball better this camp than others. Dobbs has also taken his leadership role to a new level as he has been more vocal. The fact is Dobbs is never going to blow people away with his accuracy, but everyone knows when the non-contact jersey comes off, Dobbs seems to play the game at a different level.

Drew Richmond — The former five star entered fall camp under a microscope and he’s responded well to the pressure. Though coaches have been reluctant to say that competition is over up front, Richmond looks like he’s nailed down the starting left tackle job for all intents and purposes. He used his redshirt year to his advantage in the weight room and looks like much more of a force in the run game this year while still possessing the footwork and athleticism that made him such a coveted prospect in the first place.

Coleman Thomas — It’s seems like forever since Thomas got his first career start at an unfamiliar position at right tackle against Oklahoma two years ago. Now he’s a lynchpin of the offense at center and one of the best players at his position in the SEC. Has tons of versatility and athleticism for a guy his size which allows him to factor into the equation at tackle in order to beef up the depth at a position that needs it at the moment.

Jack Jones — In an ideal world, Jones would probably redshirt this year. Not because he’s not talented, but because he absolutely is and it would seem a shame to waste a year as a reserve. He’s had a very nice camp, drawing consistent praise from the staff for his toughness and work ethic along with his willingness to compete even though he’s primarily worked as a back-up. Versatile enough to probably factor in at both guard spots as well as center and right tackle.

Marcus Tatum — In looking at this freshman class, Tatum was viewed as a developmental prospect—and an excellent one—but Chance Hall’s injury has opened up the possibility that he may factor into the two-deep this fall. That’s not ideal, as Tatum could absolutely stand to add some weight. However, his length and athleticism have made him stand out early. Playing him now is not part of the plan, but if the Vols suffer another injury on the edge of the offensive line, he could see himself thrown into the mix. He’s been impressive early on and has a very bright future.

Ryan Johnson — The Brentwood Academy product is a nice reflection of where Butch Jones has this program. The staff should have the luxury of redshirting what looks to be a promising offensive line prospect, which hasn’t been the case in the past. The former four-star recruit looks as good as expected and has primarily worked at right tackle in camp. He’s a powerful player and his footwork and fundamentals look to be ahead of the game for a freshman.

Dylan Weisman — What a difference a year makes. This time last year it wasn’t clear that he would even play. Now Weisman is a returning All-SEC selection (2nd team) at right guard and an integral part of a mostly veteran offensive line. He’s had a strong camp and has developed into one of the most respected leaders on the offense. A highly intelligent player, Weisman’s ability to play either guard spot as well as center makes him a valuable veteran asset up front.

Jashon Robertson — Given where he is now, it’s incredible to think that almost exactly two years ago Robertson was about to start his Tennessee career buried on the depth chart at defensive tackle. He’s missed a little time in camp, but now looks healthy and ready to be a centerpiece of the Vols’ offensive line. One of the strongest players on the team, Robertson is quietly going about the business of being a three year starter and what looks like a future pro.

Chance Hall — Just about everybody seemed to have Hall penciled in as the starter at right tackle but then had to quickly push the brakes on that assumption when Jones emphatically stated early in camp that the right tackle position was open. In hindsight, that seems to have had more to do with Brett Kendrick than Hall, who was responding to being challenged in a positive fashion prior to his injuring his knee. Hall should be back in the first half of the season when he’ll either push Kendrick at right tackle or be a high-level reserve for the Vols.

Charles Mosley — ‘Big Charles’ has looked better this camp than last for sure, which was to be expected as he recovers from a serious leg injury. He is notably in better shape and moving better than at any point since his arrival but still pushing to be a real factor in an offensive front that is starting to develop some high level depth. Don’t give up on the man, he has some gifts, but he’s not there yet.

Austin Pope — He’s probably not going to play a big role this fall—barring injury—and his last name’s not ‘Byrd,’ but the Knoxville native has been one of the most impressive offensive newcomers in camp. Pope has good size, has shown a very nice set of hands and some surprising athleticism in his first camp. He’s also shown a bit of nasty disposition, which, if harnessed, could really be an asset.

Ethan Wolf — This guy is not flashy, but he is awesomely effective. He’s a real physical presence in the run game, and you can tell he relishes that part of his job, unlike many at his position. He’s no Jimmy Graham, but Wolf has shown a nice set of hands when targeted and has the size—along with the inclination—to punish DBs after the catch. Just a nice football player and great guy to have in this spot.

Thanks for posting this. Can I make a request? Would you mind bolding the player's names? It would just make the format easier to read but it's no big deal if you don't.

Yep, it moved

I think Kirkland Jr., Todd Kelly Jr, Abernathy/Warrior and Gaulden are going to be huge x-factors on defense. The ball just finds TKjr - he's got an insane amount of INTs for a guy who wasn't starting (many starters will never see that many).

Generating turnovers is something we didn't do enough of last year but TK should provide a big boost there and Abernathy/Warrior are damn good. Then there's Gaulden who is an incredible hitter.

Darrin Kirkland Jr. is my favorite to be the defensive breakout player this year. People have no idea just how good he's going to be this year and his improvement is going to be something that improves the entire D.

Damn the more I think about it the more trouble I have not adding even more players. The entire D is full of playmakers.

EDIT: I didn't mention the DL monsters we have because I was trying to highlight those who a lot of fans probably aren't thinking of and that analysts and opponents aren't going to see coming going into the season.

Oh I don't for a second think we will see JG nor should we. I'm just very happy about what the early returns on him have been especially given what VFLs have said about him. By all accounts, his potential is through the roof.

Good stuff. Is Sherion Jones still on roster?

It's downright insane how much quality depth we have now as opposed to 2008-14 when we had to start a few walk-ons per year. I'd take our current second string over some of Dooley's starting groups.