Tennessee Football: Way-too-early 2022 depth chart projection

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Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers place kicker Chase McGrath (40) kicks an extra point during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

Special Teams

Kicker: Chase McGrath (super senior)
Punter: Paxton Brooks (super senior)
Kickoff specialist: Paxton Brooks (super senior)
Kick returner: Trevon Flowers
Punt returner: Jalin Hyatt

Special teams look mostly the same as they did in 2021. It was confirmed last month that kicker Chase McGrath was coming back for 2022, but news on punter Paxton Brooks has not come out yet. He hasn’t declared for the draft and was one of the better punters in college football last year, so him staying seems like a safe bet.

Trevon Flowers was the Vols’ main punt returner last year, with Velus Jones being the main kicker returner. With Jones gone, Flowers may slide over to the kick return slot.

At punt returner, there are a few candidates. Jalin Hyatt and Jimmy Calloway both have the burst and athleticism needed to be good return men. Head coach Josh Heupel isn’t afraid to play starters on special teams, and Hyatt is probably more prepared at this point.

Of course, Flowers could do double duty, returning both punts and kicks.

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