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Tennessee Football: 2017 season preview, predictions

By Connor Muldowney

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 4: Todd Kelly Jr. #6 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after intercepting a pass during the game against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium on October 4, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida defeated Tennessee 10-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 4: Todd Kelly Jr. #6 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after intercepting a pass during the game against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium on October 4, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida defeated Tennessee 10-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Offense

The offense for Tennessee will have a slightly different look in 2017. Gone is Joshua Dobbs, as mentioned earlier, as well as Jalen Hurd who quit the team last season. There will be a two-man race for the starting quarterback job, but it seems as if John Kelly will do just fine at running back.

In fact, Kelly took over for Hurd last season when he left, rushing for 630 yards and five touchdowns on 6.4 yards per carry. He could be a breakout candidate on this side of the ball and his backups, freshman Ty Chandler and sophomore Carlin Fils-aime, should be solid No. 2 and No. 3 options, respectively.

Jauan Jennings returns as the team’s No. 1 option in 2017. He had 40 catches for 580 yards and seven touchdowns last season, but figures to have an even bigger year. Sophomores Tyler Byrd, sixth on the team in receiver, and Marquez Callaway, one catch in 2016, are the presumed starters as well. Josh Smith, Brandon Johnson and Jeff George provide depth.

Senior Ethan Wolf returns at tight end after catching 22 passes for 247 yards and two scores in 2016. He will combine with a talented group of receivers to give whichever player is named starting QB a solid crop of targets.

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Lastly, and most importantly, the offensive line returns three starters. Senior Coleman Thomas, however, will likely play the role of backup center this season. He will be the understudy to returning starter Jason Robertson. Brett Kendrick, also a senior, will likely be a backup as well.

The line will be young, with loads of potential. Look out for guys like Drew Richmond, Jack Jones, Chance Hall and talented freshman Trey Smith.

Can Joshua Dobbs be adequately replaced?

There’s currently a two-man race for the starting quarterback job in Knoxville. Junior Quinten Dormady has game experience while redshirt freshman Jared Guarantano figures to push for that starting job as a former highly-regarded four-star prospect.

Although Dormady looked solid in minimal action last season, passing for 148 yards on 11-of-17 completions, Guarantano may have the most upside. He’s a young guy who fans have been clamoring for, but could either adequately replace Dobbs?

The dual-threat quarterback was one of the main reasons Tennessee was even on the map last year. Sure, the Volunteers had a talented roster coming into the season, but the return of Dobbs brought all the hype. Neither Dormady nor Guarantano have that same flash, yet, but if the Vols can stick to one starter, expect the hype to grow.

Maybe not this year, but next year the expectations surrounding the starting QB will be at Dobbs’ level.

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