KNOXVILLE – Tennessee reached the midway point of the 2019 football season last Saturday with a 20-10 victory over Mississippi State. With half the season in the rearview mirror, Times Free Press Tennessee beat writer Gene Henley takes a look at the positional grades to date:
Quarterback – C: Junior Jarrett Guarantano struggled in the team’s first four games, prompting the change to freshman Brian Maurer. The latter has had his moments, but has had his own struggles as he’s thrown three interceptions – two in the red zone against Mississippi State – and hasn’t been able to finish either game. Guarantano came on in relief against the Bulldogs and led three scoring drives, including a game-sealing touchdown pass in the final minutes. But the two have a combined 10 of the Vols’ 12 turnovers – 11 if you count a poorly thrown swing pass by Guarantano to Ty Chandler that was fumbled against Georgia State – which have hurt the offense.
Running back – C: The three-headed monster of juniors Ty Chandler and Tim Jordan and freshman Eric Gray has had moments this season. The two juniors were key in the Vols’ 10-point win over Mississippi State, grinding out a combined 122 yards and a score, and have been the more reliable options to date. Gray has shown flashes and is the most exciting of the three, but has seen his touches decrease after a fourth-quarter fumble in the Florida game.
Wide receivers – B-plus: The most experienced unit on the offense has played like it. Jauan Jennings and Marquez Callaway have combined for eight touchdowns on the year. Josh Palmer had some early-season struggles, but has come on in recent games. Tyler Byrd led the team in receiving against Mississippi State. There’s also potential with a freshman class that features Ramel Keyton and redshirt Cedric Tillman, players that have had moments early on.
Tight ends – B: The coaching staff has become creative in figuring out ways to get senior Dominick Wood-Anderson involved, including a five-yard carry Saturday against Mississippi State. With 148 yards, he’s already topped his receiving yardage total from a year ago (140) and has been key in blocking. Austin Pope has started five games and is one of the team’s better run blockers. He had 15 yards receiving on three catches.