Tennessee Football: 3 reasons the Volunteers will struggle in 2020
By John Vogel
2. Lack of receiver talent
Last year, the Tennessee Volunteers fielded a plethora of good receivers that all showed the ability to bring different elements to the game. For example, Jauan Jennings brought physicality and strength combined with his strong hands and Marquez Calloway brought speed and a deep threat element.
This season, the only receiver who has seen significant time on the field is Josh Palmer, who has 66 career receptions. Let’s check out the production from the rest of the corps:
- Josh Palmer (SR): 66 receptions, 1039 yards, 4 total touchdowns
- Brandon Johnson (SR): 60 receptions, 738 yards, 1 touchdown
- Velus Jones Jr. (SR – USC transfer): 36 receptions, 347 yards, 3 total touchdowns
- Ramel Keyton (SO): 4 receptions, 104 yards.
- Deangelo Gibbs (JR – Georgia transfer who played DB): No stats
It’s not exciting to see such a lack of career production, especially with the quarterback situation being so unknown. Who will start for the Vols? Jarrett Guarantano? Brian Maurer? JT Shrout?
It’s a little bit scary to think that Tennessee may have to run the ball a lot to move the ball offensively, especially with the SEC evolving the way that it is.