QUARTERBACKS
Emphasis on the “s” in quarterbacks. Look for the Volunteers to test-drive two before settling on a permanent starter. Quinten Dormady, a junior, is likely to take the first snaps of the season after backing up Josh Dobbs for the past two seasons. It’s probable that redshirt freshman Jarrett Guarantano also will get a chance to play and show why 247Sports ranked him ahead of Alabama phenom Jalen Hurts in the class of 2016.
Both players demonstrated passing precision early in the preseason after a summer spent developing chemistry with receivers during seven-on-seven passing drills. Now it’s a matter of who can translate his talent and leadership to the field and bring Tennessee the closest to replacing Dobbs’ production.
RUNNING BACKS
John Kelly began last season mentioned on this page as “a solid No. 3 back.” It was an accurate assessment of a back who played only sparingly as a freshman in 2015. But with the midseason departure of Jalen Hurd last year, Kelly thrived in an increased role and enters this season as a bona fide SEC feature back. His teammates tease him for being short, but the 5-foot-9 Kelly is poised for a big year. There is a battle for playing time behind him, with a chance for at least one player to emerge with significant carries. Look for freshman Ty Chandler to get a shot at the opportunity.