Tennessee Vols: 5 unexpected players who could have a big impact in 2019
If the Tennessee Vols are going to be successful in 2019 (meaning they reach a bowl game), they'll need some "unexpected" players to step up and have big seasons. Thanks to a strong 2019 recruiting class, and some players that were already on the roster, the Vols have a more talented team than they did […]
If the Tennessee Vols are going to be successful in 2019 (meaning they reach a bowl game), they'll need some "unexpected" players to step up and have big seasons.
Thanks to a strong 2019 recruiting class, and some players that were already on the roster, the Vols have a more talented team than they did a season ago.
Sure, there are still plenty of question marks for the Vols. Will the offensive line be better? Does the defensive line have enough depth? Can quarterback Jarrett Guarantano take the next step as the leader of the offense?
But there's also reason for optimism. Jeremy Pruitt has had plenty of time to settle in as UT's head coach. The staff he's put together is as good as any staff in the country. And the Vols' strength and conditioning program appears to be paying major dividends.
There's a realistic chance that Tennessee will win seven or eight games in 2019. But if that's going to happen, they'll need some players to step up and produce in a big way.
Here are five unexpected players that could make a major impact for UT in 2019.
5 unexpected Vols who could have a major impact in 2019 —->>>>>
Featured image via Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Eric Gray — Running Back — Freshman
Ty Chandler and Tim Jordan are expected to be the Vols' top two running backs in 2019.
But true freshman Eric Gray might be difficult to keep off the field.
Gray has reportedly looked fast and "hard to tackle" during fall camp. Offensive coordinator Jim Chaney is a master at using quick running backs in effective ways. I'm sure Chaney is already scheming up plenty of ways to use Gray.
Chandler is without a doubt the de facto starting running back for Tennessee in 2019. Gray, however, could end up being used just as much as Chandler. He has that kind of talent.
Having a running back that can make linebackers and safeties miss in space is invaluable. That's the kind of skillset that Gray will bring to UT in 2019.
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Jordan Murphy — Wide Receiver — Junior
Jauan Jennings and Marquez Callaway are typically the two Vol wide receivers that are mentioned the most when discussing Tennessee's new offense under Jim Chaney.
If you go further down the depth chart, Josh Palmer's name pops up as well (he's an underrated player).
While each of those three receivers should fare well in 2019, I think Jordan Murphy will be the biggest benefactor of the addition of Chaney.
Murphy played in 10 games last season and put up modest numbers. He caught 11 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown. He also had 2 rushing attempts for 58 yards.
I think Murphy is a player that Chaney can use in creative ways — kind of how he used Cordarrelle Patterson in 2012 (though Murphy doesn't have the same talent that Patterson had). The end around or jet sweep with Murphy is a play that I'm sure Chaney will utilize. Murphy can also be a deep threat for the Vols (he had a 50 yard touchdown reception against East Tennessee State last season).
Murphy should be a legitimate weapon for the Vols in 2019. I wouldn't be surprised if his numbers from last season triple under Chaney.
Image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Deandre Johnson — Linebacker — Junior
Quavaris Crouch is the big name at outside linebacker this fall.
And rightfully so.
Crouch, a true freshman who signed with UT as a four-star recruit, is an impressive athlete who has the potential to be an elite defender in the SEC.
But fans shouldn't forget about Deandre Johnson.
The Miami native played in all 12 games for the Vols last season. He finished with 13 tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks. Those aren't big numbers, but he produced in big moments.
Johnson had four tackles and a sack in Tennessee's road win against Auburn. He also had a sack in the Vols' win against Kentucky.
Defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley should have Johnson in more pass rushing situations in 2019. Johnson is a natural edge rusher, so I wouldn't be surprised to see a big increase in his production moving forward.
Image via 247Sports
Warren Burrell — Cornerback — Freshman
By now, we all know that Jeremy Pruitt is a wizard when it comes to developing defnisve backs — specifically cornerbacks.
Pruitt took two true freshmen last year (Alontae Taylor and Bryce Thompson) and turned them into two of the best freshman defenders in the SEC. Neither player was expected to be much of a factor for the Vols last season (Taylor signed as a wide receiver, Thompson signed late), but they ended up being two of Tennessee's most important players.
Burrell, a three-star recruit from Georgia, is already receiving praise during fall camp. And he's currently working as the No. 3 cornerback on Tennessee's depth chart.
Taylor and Thompson are locked in to their starting spots, but there will still be plenty of playing time for Burrell in 2019.
And I have a feeling he'll make the most of it.
Image via 247Sports
Matthew Butler — Defensive Lineman — Junior
It's no secret that Tennessee doesn't have a lot of depth along their defensive line.
That's why the loss of Emmit Gooden (who tore his ACL during practice this past week) is a major blow to the Vols' defense.
Matthew Butler, a former four-star recruit, played in nine games as a sophomore in 2018. He totaled 13 tackles, including four tackles in Tennessee's loss to Florida.
The Raleigh native will have a big opportunity to make some noise in 2019. He's not buried on the depth chart and he doesn't have anyone nipping at his heels.
Butler made some noise during spring practice, too. Defensive line coach Tracy Rocker called him the the most impressive defensive lineman during spring camp. That's a compliment that shouldn't ring hollow.
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