If there's one position where the Tennessee Vols will have plenty of depth on their roster next season it's at quarterback.

Maybe.

For now, the Vols will have five scholarship quarterbacks on their roster in 2020, plus former Maryland quarterback Kasim Hill, who joined UT prior to the 2019 season as a walk-on transfer.

• Jarrett Guarantano — Redshirt Senior
• Brian Maurer — Sophomore
• JT Shrout — Redshirt sophomore
• Harrison Bailey — True Freshman
• Jimmy Holiday — True Freshman
• Kasim Hill — Redshirt Sophomore

Of course, it's unlikely that Tennessee actually enters the 2020 season with this much depth. I'd bet on at least one of these quarterbacks not being on the Vols' roster next season.

So what's the best scenario for Tennessee at the quarterback position in 2020?

I think the best situation for the Vols would be if Jarrett Guarantano leaves for the NFL, leaving a young quarterback room for offensive coordinator Jim Chaney and quarterbacks coach Chris Weinke.

Not with me so far?

Let me explain.

There's no doubt that Guarantano had a strong finish to the 2019 season. In fact, the Vols probably don't become bowl eligible if not for Guarantano.

But I think for the future of the program, it's best if the keys are handed over to incoming true freshman Harrison Bailey, who will come to Tennessee with a ton of upside.

I'm sure there are some folks who want to see Bailey redshirt in 2020, but I don't see how that benefits the Vols. If Bailey is as good as advertised, then redshirting him would just waste a year of his eligibility. Essentially, if he's as good as everyone expects him to be, then it's entirely possible he could turn pro after his redshirt sophomore season (much like Jameis Winston did at Florida State, meaning Tennessee would only get the benefit of two years of Bailey on the field).

Bailey is suppose to be the savior of Tennessee football. He might as well get his shot in 2020. He'll be an early enrollee, so he will have the benefit of going through spring practice. With a veteran offensive line, and an expected strong running game, Bailey should be in a good position to have success as a true freshman. It's worked out pretty well for other true freshmen quarterbacks (Jake Fromm, Trevor Lawrence, etc), so why can't it work for Bailey?

With Guarantano out of the picture, Bailey could take control of the offense from day one. And if he falters, the Vols would have plenty of experience behind him. Plus, if Guarantano leaves, it's much more likely that Brian Maurer and JT Shrout stick around (it's not like Jeremy Pruitt is going to anoint Bailey as the starter in the spring or early fall camp).

In a perfect world, Guarantano stays next season, leads the Vols to a 10 win season, while Bailey redshirts and then starts the next four seasons on Rocky Top.

But it's not a perfect world. And things rarely work according to plan.

Tennessee needs to protect their quarterback depth. And they need to utilize the most talented players on their roster.

Bailey is one of those players. Would you rather see him play three years at Tennessee or sit on the bench for a year and then go to the NFL after starting two years?

Butch Jones was afraid to play young quarterbacks that were more talented during the early part of his tenure and it cost him wins.

Pruitt won't make that same mistake. That's why Guarantano leaving for the NFL will leave the Vols' quarterback room in the best (realistic) position it can be in next season.

Featured image via Randy Sartin/USA Today & 247Sports