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Tennessee Football: Will Volunteers make necessary jump in 2019?

By Jake Mitchell

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Tennessee mascot Davy Crockett carries the flag across the end zone during a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Tennessee mascot Davy Crockett carries the flag across the end zone during a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 04: Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers looks to pass against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles during the first half at Neyland Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 04: Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers looks to pass against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles during the first half at Neyland Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Offense in desperate need of repair

Jim Chaney has come to Knoxville to repair an offense that finished last in the SEC, and 122nd nationally, in total yardage. His history, which has included stops at Arkansas, Purdue, multiple NFL teams, as well as the most recent stint at Georgia, is well documented.

He now comes to a Tennessee program that, while struggling a year ago, does have pieces to build upon.

At quarterback, Jarrett Guarantano didn’t throw for a very high volume, but he proved efficient a season ago. His 12 touchdowns and only three interceptions indicate that the junior is smart with the football, and has a solid foundation at the position.

His key target will be Marquez Callaway. The wideouts numbers from 2018 don’t pop off the page, with only 592 yards and two touchdowns, but that has more to do with the low passing game output. He was still the leading pass catcher on the team, and as Guarantano improves, so will Callaway’s numbers.

The running back committee will return as well. Ty Chandler and Tim Jordan combined for 1,152 yards and seven touchdowns in 2018. The Volunteers also added Michigan State grad transfer Madre London to the fold.

Of course, all of this hinges on what happens up front. If Trey Smith is healthy, the Vols will have one of the best offensive linemen and an absolute game changer paving the way and protecting the quarterback. If not, it will be another obstacle for this unit.

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