JT Shrout looks like Tennessee’s backup quarterback
Quarterbacks always are under the microscope during preseason practice. For Tennessee, the most interesting development was who would win the backup job behind Jarrett Guarantano.
It's Shrout's job to lose. The redshirt freshman is more advanced – especially physically – than true freshman Brian Maurer.
The Vols have options on the offensive line
Tennessee's offensive line has the potential to be its most improved position. Of course, that's a low bar considering how bad the line was the past two seasons. The Vols appear to have more talent at the position, thanks to the influx of five-star freshmen Wanya Morris and Darnell Wright. Plus, Brandon Kennedy is back from injury after missing all but one game last season.
Expect the line to consist of five players from this list of eight: Morris, Trey Smith, Kennedy, Jahmir Johnson, Marcus Tatum, K'rojhn Calbert, Wright, Jerome Carvin and Ryan Johnson. The Vols have options.
A couple freshmen on defense look fairly advanced
Much of the buzz surrounding the freshman class is dedicated to Morris and Wright, but a couple freshmen on defense are in the mix for starting jobs.
Warren Burrell is shaping up as UT'S third-best cornerback behind starters Bryce Thompson and Alontae Taylor. All three could get on the field if Tennessee is willing to move Thompson to nickelback. If not, Burrell could be an extra defensive back in dime packages.
Additionally, Quavaris Crouch is built like a man beyond his years, and it's easy to see why he earned a four-star rating as a recruit. He has cross trained at outside linebacker and inside linebacker, with the former offering a better path to playing time.
Are any defensive linemen from the 2018 recruiting class ready to emerge?
We're about to find out. Emmit Gooden's season-ending knee injury ratchets up the importance of some secondyear players breaking out on the defensive line. Gooden also was a member of the 2018 class, but he was a junior college transfer.
Sophomore John Mincey seems line for a big role. He's the best candidate among linemen from that 2018 class to earn a starting job.
If Trey Smith returns, where will he play?
Smith has been practicing at left guard during open periods of practice. That's where he spent much of his time as a Freshman All-american before starting seven games at left tackle last season. A recurrence of blood clots caused him to miss the final five games.
Smith has not received the all-clear to play this season, but the fact that he's practicing at guard – not tackle – might be a show of coach Jeremy Pruitt's belief in his freshmen tackles. And Smith returning to guard could lead to Tennessee getting the most out of its available talent on the line.