The Tennessee Vols need to be proactive in preventing a potential issue before it arises
The Tennessee Vols probably need to find a way to get true freshman wide receiver Mike Matthews some more playing time before the end of the season. There haven't been any reports or rumblings that Matthews, a former five-star recruit, is unhappy that he only has two receptions for 35 yards (and a touchdown) this […]
The Tennessee Vols probably need to find a way to get true freshman wide receiver Mike Matthews some more playing time before the end of the season.
There haven't been any reports or rumblings that Matthews, a former five-star recruit, is unhappy that he only has two receptions for 35 yards (and a touchdown) this season while playing extremely limited snaps (Matthews played just five snaps in the win against Alabama last weekend). But it would be foolish to think that the dynamic young receiver is thrilled with sitting on the bench while he watches other true freshmen wide receivers make a major impact around the country (Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith, Alabama's Ryan Williams, Texas' Ryan Wingo, etc).
Matthews has the highest ceiling of any wide receiver on Tennessee's roster. And he's already showed off his impressive talent in the limited chances that he's received.
I can't understand why the Vols haven't found a way to get Matthews on the field more often — especially when they're playing another talented true freshman in Boo Carter on the other side of the ball (Carter played 45 defensive snaps against Alabama).
Tennessee's offense hasn't exactly been lighting up the scoreboard lately. And that's mostly because of the passing game. There have certainly been some overthrows from redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava, but there have also been some tough drops by receivers and routes by receivers that looked like they were stopped short. That's not to place blame on any particular player, but it's clear that the offense hasn't been crisp.
So why not put your most talented wide receiver on the field and see what happens? It's not like Tennessee is gaining much by not playing Matthews.
The last thing Tennessee can afford is for Matthews to hit the NCAA transfer portal this offseason. I'm not saying that's a scenario that's on the table right now, but I don't think it can be ruled out if he continues to ride the bench. Other programs will absolutely try to swipe him from Tennessee (remember, Georgia really wanted Matthews during the recruiting process).
Josh Heupel and his offensive staff need to get Matthews on the field after the Vols' upcoming bye week. He would be another elite playmaking option for Iamaleava while potentially providing a spark for the offense. And it could help erase any concern that Matthews might entertain the idea of entering the NCAA transfer portal after the season.
Tennessee Vols have an easy decision to make for upcoming game against the Kentucky Wildcats
Easy call for the Vols
