How Long Before Tennessee Volunteers Return to Prominence?

Special Teams

Returner Devrin Young is back, but the Vols are forced to start fresh in the kicking game with Michael Palardy gone. Palardy did everything and was really good at it, averaging 44.5 yards per punt and going 14 of 17 on field goals.

Apr 12, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers punter Matt Darr (43) kicks the ball during the spring game at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

How do you replace that? Senior punter Matt Darr has one last chance to show some consistency. He actually has very good leg strength and hang time, but his career 38.4 yards per punt average is a mix of 60 yards punts followed by shanks. If Darr can be consistent, then the punting game is set.

The new kicker is up for grabs. George Bullock and Aaron Medley are in competition for the position, and Bullock appears to be ahead right now. He appears to have lots of potential, but there are always growing pains for first-year kickers. Expect a major drop-off here. Continue to Next Slide for Final Analysis and Prediction