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Tennessee kicks off its spring practice on March 7, which will conclude with the Orange and White Game on April 16. The Vols enter as one of the most talked about teams in the SEC for both good and bad reasons.
Tennessee is expected to be a favorite in the SEC East after a second place finish in 2014 — its best since 2007 — and returns the majority of its starters from the past two seasons.
But the football program is also facing a lawsuit accusing the program of mishandling incidents of sexual assault. Tennessee will have plenty of storylines heading into spring practice. Here’s what to watch for during the Vols’ camp.
Butch Jones in “make or break” season
Butch Jones is still viewed favorably by the majority of Tennessee fans, but he gained some critics last season. His team failed to close out several close games and fell to 2-3 record before winning seven of his final eight matchups.
He’s been a masterful recruiter and improved Tennessee’s record in his last two seasons, but there’s a portion of the fan base and college football world that thinks he has trouble with game management and closing games despite holding double-digit leads.
On the field, his decisions will be judged by Tennessee fans and the program throughout the season. Most coaches aren’t allowed as many excuses after their third season and Jones will not be an exception. Jones has off-the-field issues to be concerned with as well.
Can Joshua Dobbs be an elite passer?
Joshua Dobbs sparked Tennessee’s offense as a capable running threat at quarterback. But he was limited on deep pass attempts and many speculated it was a way for the Vols staff to protect his shortcomings.
Dobbs needs to take more chances downfield for Tennessee to be a legitimate contender. As great as he, Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara are in the rushing attack, the Vols need to have more dimensions to their offense and have a consistent deep passing attack. Dobbs will be the most important piece to Tennessee’s offense during his senior season and needs to prove that he’s just as dangerous through the air as on the ground.
What does Bob Shoop bring to Tennessee’s defense?
Bob Shoop enters his first season as Tennessee’s defensive coordinator after spending the past five seasons as an assistant to James Franklin at both Vanderbilt and Penn State. Shoop’s defense ranked fifth in total defense, third in passing defense and eighth in rushing defense among Big Ten teams.
His transition should be smooth as he inherits one of the SEC’s best returning defenses, which has a potential All-SEC first teamer at each of the three position groups. Outside linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin — who ranked sixth among SEC linebackers with 105 tackles — and cornerback Cameron Sutton both returned for their senior seasons.
Defensive end Derek Barnett, who was fourth among SEC pass rushers with 10 sacks, will anchor a talented line that also includes sophomores Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle at defensive tackle, as well as No. 1 JUCO transfer Jonathan Kongbo (not yet enrolled), former 4-star 2015 prospect Kyle Phillips and veteran Corey Vereen at defensive end.
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