Tennessee spring football practice is almost finished. No miracles have appeared. It seems the majority of fans remain optimistic. They are speculating on whether the Vols will win eight, nine or 10.
The primary reasons for positive thinking are Hendon Hooker, Cedric Tillman and a host of other returning starters.
Keep in mind that those “other returning starters” were part of seven victories in 2021 – over Bowling Green, Tennessee Tech, South Alabama, Missouri, South Carolina, Kentucky and Vanderbilt.
The defense wasn’t very good but there is no need to dwell on the 24-point deficits against Florida and Georgia and minus-25 against Alabama. That same defense provided the most meaningful minute of last season.
On a day when Kentucky racked up 612 yards, 35 first downs and six touchdowns, Tennessee was three points better with time running short and success almost assured.
Oh no! The unbelievable happened.
The Vols must not have been looking when UK quarterback Will Levis converted a fourth-and-24. Amazing, absolutely amazing. Tennessee’s defense suddenly seemed determined to seize defeat from the jaws of victory.
Wonderful, wonderful, it didn’t happen. The Vols got a stop. That, too, was amazing. Defensive coordinator Tim Banks called for blitz pressure. Four times the Vols gave great effort. Four times Levis felt the heat and threw incomplete.
The bowl game and season statistics forced a return to reality. There was verification that the Vols were basically inept on pass defense – 122nd out of 130 in the country, 99th in total defense.
After an OK or better recruiting campaign, a strong off-season program and 12 formal practice sessions, improvement is vague. There are no sure replacements for cornerback Alontae Taylor or best defensive tackle Matthew Butler. Uncertainty remains at linebacker. No newcomer at any position has displaced a regular. How to contain running quarterbacks and cover slot receivers are still a mystery. We await proof of learning.
Nagging injuries have reduced potential spring development. There were days when defensive backs were in such short supply, there was no point trying to practice against catchers running pass routes. Not hitting quarterbacks skewed the measurement of pass-rush effectiveness.
What to do about the problems is a major question. There is no way for Josh Heupel to know for sure how many scholarships are available until the NCAA approves Tennessee’s formal apology for past recruiting sins – or adds punishment.
Be sure the coach is monitoring the transfer portal for possible talent repairs. Maybe he’ll identify and secure a winner or two. Preferred walk-ons are a step toward depth and a step around scholarship limitations.
Heupel really needs another running back, a linebacker and two corners. Young receivers have sufficient ability to fill the voids if they learn the requirements in time. An added veteran wideout (another Velus Jones) would be a comfort. Replacing offensive lineman Cade Mays and his versatility won’t be a snap but he had to be replaced some of last season because of injuries.
Heupel puts a positive spin on almost all situations. He says the experience of 2021 is a wonderful influence on this team. He is undoubtedly spot-on about organization, internal expectations and leadership. Unfortunately, the last time we saw the Vols, against Purdue in Music City USA, was not very reassuring.
Boilermakers were jumping up and down in celebration of their bowl victory. Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell, a former walk-on, had completed 26 passes for 534 yards and five touchdowns against the slightly befuddled Volunteers. Receiver Broc Thompson beat ’em deep (TDs of 70 and 75). Somebody else caught one for 60.
After extensive research and analysis, Heupel concluded there wasn’t enough (much) pressure on rival quarterbacks last season. Underneath support from linebackers was inadequate and stops were too far beyond the line of scrimmage. The Vols couldn’t get off the field on third downs. Opponents ran more plays. The defense averaged 11 more minutes of action per game.
Tennessee had the second-worst third-down defense in the Southeastern Conference. Pass-rush deficiencies, missed tackles and broken coverages were amplified. Opponents converted 42.1 percent. That was bad enough for 101st nationally.
Most of this must be changed for the Vols to rise in league standings. Fans with faith in eight, nine or 10 victories are counting on experience, the return of 18 starters and both kickers. Hooker-to-Tillman projects as a giant plus. It would really help if two or three others become big-play people.
Development requires patience and a lot of other stuff. Transfers are the short cut. Alas, perfect fits are hard to find and harder to sign.
Marvin West welcomes reader comments or questions. His address is marvinwest75@gmail.com.