Tennessee Volunteers Spring Game Recap: What we learned

5 of 5

Sep 6, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Josh Malone (3) during the second half against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 34 to 19. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Receivers a cause for concern?

What was supposed to be a strength on this team suddenly looks shaky after the indefinite suspension to Von Pearson who was named as a suspect in a rape case on Friday and you can’t count on him being a member of this team moving forward.

He would have been a starter this year after finishing second on the team in receptions (38) and yards (393) last year with a team-high five touchdowns, but now his absence puts Josh Malone in the spotlight.

Malone was a five-star recruit in last year’s recruiting class but failed to make a great first impression with 23 catches for 231 yards and one touchdown. He had two catches for 80 yards and a 65-yard touchdown and that is a welcome sight because he needs a big year.

The talent is there for Malone and he’ll have a bigger opportunity to showcase that talent this year. Marquez North is another talented receiver who needs a big season. He didn’t play in the spring game but with Pearson not in the picture, the Vols need Malone and North to live up to their potential.

Pig Howard led the team in receiving last year and led them in the spring game with three catches for 49 yards but he needs to two former top recruits to take the pressure off him. The same can be said for tight end Ethan Wolf who showed a lot of promise as a freshman last season and could become one of the league’s best all-around tight ends this year.

More from Saturday Blitz

Home/SEC