KNOXVILLE - Tennessee football coach Butch Jones said he thinks quarterbacks Quinten Dormady and Jarrett Guarantano both have earned the right to play as the Volunteers approach their season opener.
But Jones spoke in vague terms Wednesday when pressed about the specifics of his quarterback plan for Tennessee's Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game against Georgia Tech on Monday at Atlanta's new Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
"I think the circumstances of the game come in to play," said Jones, who is entering his fifth season with the Vols. "What's your rhythm on offense? How are you doing? This is a game where your possessions are going to be limited."
Jones released Tennessee's first depth chart of the 2017 season Wednesday, and Dormady and Guarantano were listed as co-starters. Jones noted the competition to be the game's starter could last "all the way through pregame warmups."
"I think that's healthy," Jones said. "Again, I just want them to continue to compete. They've done a really good job in their game-week preparation, and it's whoever goes out there first. I guess we'll know on game day."
Tennessee offensive tackle Drew Richmond, right, talks with Jashon Robertson during last season's game at Vanderbilt. Richmond has been suspended by the team for the season opener.
Dormady, a junior with game experience as a backup to the departed Joshua Dobbs, is widely believed to have a slight edge on Guarantano, who is a redshirt freshman.
"They're both excellent players," senior tight end Ethan Wolf said. "They've worked extremely hard this camp. We've talked as an offense how, no matter who is back there, it's our job to make them right, to give them time."
While the quarterback plan remains murky to outsiders, Jones cleared up a personnel matter that will impact the team's quarterback protection in the season opener. Drew Richmond, who is listed as the starting left tackle, will be unavailable because of what Jones termed "a violation of team rules." The revelation of Richmond's suspension settled weeks of rumors regarding possible suspensions for the game.
Jones indicated sophomore Marcus Tatum will start at offensive tackle in place of Richmond. Jashon Robertson is listed as the starting center after playing guard most of his career. Freshman Trey Smith is listed as the starting right guard. Jack Jones and Venzell Boulware are listed as co-starters at left guard. Redshirt senior tackle Brett Kendrick rounded out the offensive line depth chart.
Richmond's suspension will be lifted for Tennessee's second game against Indiana State "if he does everything he needs to do," Jones said.
"Obviously, we're all disappointed," Jones said. "There isn't anyone more disappointed than Drew. But there are standards and expectations. He's worked very, very hard. He's showed up to work every single day and is working his craft. I know he's looking forward to getting on the field."
The news of Richmond's absence came after Jones shared junior middle linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr. underwent surgery Wednesday to address a meniscus injury in his knee that happened at a recent practice. Jones said he was awaiting more specifics on Kirkland's injury and the surgery, but Kirkland has been ruled out for the opener, meaning Baylor School graduate Colton Jumper is the likely starter at middle linebacker.
Georgia Tech's run-heavy flexbone offense will likely force Tennessee to play more three-linebacker sets than it will most of the season. Doing so without Kirkland in the rotation will test depth at the position.
Jumper and fellow senior Cortez McDowell are listed as the starters at the primary linebacker slots. Sophomore Austin Smith, who redshirted last season, is listed as the starter at the third slot.
"It's an opportunity for individuals to step up," Jones said. "Everyone wants to play, and you earn your playing time.
"Well, you know what? Now is your opportunity. There is an opportunity for someone to step up there and play in a meaningful game. Everything is going to come down to our preparation this week."
Contact David Cobb at dcobb@timesfreepress.com.