The Tennessee Volunteers have gotten off to a very strong start this season.  A large reason for that is the Vols' dominant defense, which enters their tilt on Saturday against Arkansas as a top five scoring unit nationally at 7.0 points per game allowed. 

However, the offense has been outstanding as well, with redshirt freshman QB Nico Iamaleava looking poised beyond his years through the first quarter of the season. 

However, the Vols haven't had any kind of major standout among their receivers to date.  Through four games, no receiver has broken 250 receiving yards. 

But that's not necessarily a bad thing.  The ball has been spread around to a number of pass catchers this year.  Seven have more than 50 receiving yards, including four wideouts, two tight ends, and RB Dylan Sampson. That speaks to the depth of talent across the roster. 

So, what exactly are the coaches looking at when deciding who plays out of the group?  UT WR coach Kelsey Pope answered that on Tuesday.

"It's a lot like basketball. You really have to identify what type of game it is. If you have a hot hand, you have to feed it. That's really my mindset. He got a bunch of snaps last game, Bru (McCoy) as well because they were the hot hands. When you have a room like that, you have to be in tune and you have to be intentional with how the game is going, or who's rolling, who's hot right now. I think that helps you. Obviously, every guy is going to get an opportunity to get time, but that's something you definitely have to be in tune with."

Chris Brazzell II still waiting to break out

Chris Brazzell II was a player who came into the season with a lot of hype and expectations.  The Tulane transfer looked good in camp and appeared poised for a breakout.  Through four games, that breakout hasn't happened yet, as Brazzell has just 140 yards on 11 catches.  

According to Pope, it's been about consistency for Brazzell. 

"Chris knows the system. He understands it, he's been really good at times. Other times he hasn't really been to the standard. Again, it's something that starts in practice. As he continues to go, he's obviously progressing and getting better. I think as long as he has the right focus and comes in with the right mentality, the sky will continue to be the limit for him. The consistency piece will continue to be the factor. If we can't be consistent, you won't see the best of anybody at any position. Consistency for him will be the key."

True freshman sensation Mike Matthews waiting in the wings

Mike Matthews is another name that's been bandied about by Tennessee fans on social media as a potentially elite young player with perhaps the highest ceiling among all receivers.  His 62-yard touchdown in the spring game was one of the big highlights of the day.

However, the opportunities haven't been there yet, as Matthews has 2 catches for 35 yards this year.  Pope notes that Matthews is a willing learner and a player they're going to need plays from going forward. 

"I've been impressed with his maturity, he's grown up a ton. From a football knowledge standpoint, he wants to be a sponge. He is always asking questions, always in the building. He is a guy going down the stretch, that is going to continue to make plays for us. He's a guy we are going to need to make plays on the outside."

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The bottom line is that if your wide receiver room has a hard time giving opportunities to those types of players, then you've got a pretty good one.  So far, that's been the case.  The Vols haven't really had to air it out this year, operating with a big lead in all four games.  But when they've needed plays, they've gotten them from their starters. 

It's a great problem for Josh Heupel to have.  And, as the season goes on, it could become an even better one. 

Tennessee Vols will have to avoid the dose of ‘rat poison’ they were served on Saturday against Arkansas

The Vols are getting a whole lot of respect ahead of their matchup with the Hogs