KNOXVILLE – With Tennessee’s preseason football camp set to begin Friday, the Times Free Press takes a stab at five storylines leading into the 28 practices that precede the season opener on Aug. 31 against Georgia State, one of eight home dates on the 2019 schedule.
» Offensive line growth: People have eyes, and they’ve seen that the offensive line was a weakness last season (and has been for a few seasons now). The incoming recruits are all around the 300-pound mark, and the players already in the program have shown physical growth – in some cases, exponentially. Part of the problem has been that while the line may have been skilled enough to handle opposing defensive lines, they weren’t big enough to hold off the rush. Now that the group is collectively bigger, maybe those skills will have more of an opportunity to shine on Saturdays. Plus it will be interesting to see how quickly offensive coordinator Jim Chaney and offensive line coach Will Friend settle on a unit that will have the chance to mesh together.
» Newcomer growth: Over half of the incoming freshmen arrived in January and were able to go through spring practice, therefore getting valuable extra repetitions. Some others, such as highly touted offensive lineman Darrell Wright and linebacker Henry To’o To’o, didn’t arrive until the summer and haven’t had the chance to go through practice reps. For former junior college defensive linemen Darel Middleton and Savion Williams, that may not be as bad because they have had at least a season of college football already. But for the true freshman group, the next month will be key in trying to obtain spots in the rotation.
» Aubrey Solomon: Is he or isn’t he? That still remains the question as to whether the 6-foot-5, 299-pound defensive lineman will be eligible this year as he awaits the NCAA’s decision regarding his transfer from Michigan. Head coach Jeremy Pruitt had no answer when asked about it Thursday, but Solomon’s importance to this team can’t be disputed, not simply because he helps at a position of need but also because he’s one of the two most experienced defensive linemen on the roster, with Emmit Gooden. In fact, Solomon has played more Division I games than Gooden, so if nothing else the Volunteers need him to provide solid reps as they develop everybody else. But as of now, nobody knows the answer.
» Trey Smith’s health: The All-SEC-caliber offensive lineman wants to play football again after developing a recurrence of blood clots in his lungs during the 2018 season. He spent the spring on the practice field, albeit in an observatory role but dressed out with the team nonetheless. Pruitt said Thursday that team physicians have been collaborating with other doctors to have a plan in place to give Smith an opportunity to play, which would be huge if it works out. The 2017 Freshman All-American would provide another big, talented body at a place of need.
» Backup quarterback battle: It’s not the sexiest storyline, but it’s an important one. Everyone knows that junior Jarrett Guarantano is the starting quarterback, so the real question remains who steps in as the No. 2 behind him. The options are talented, but neither redshirt freshman J.T. Shrout nor true freshman Brian Maurer has taken a college snap in a game. Chaney said Thursday that he would like a clear No. 2 player at the position, which makes that competition one to watch.
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenley3 or at Facebook.com/VolsUpdate.