A friend and I discussed how over the years we have had great talent on various positions and when we had "all-time great talented units" at Tennessee. We compared those great positional units to this team's talent.
OFFENSE
Offensive Line - we have had some very good offensive linemen in the past, but those teams with Charles McRae and Antone Davis were very good on the front. While we don't have anyone on this roster who could reach their talent level, they are still decent. Probably one of the weaker spots on the team, compared to some of the "all-time talented units" from the past.
Running Back - the teams with Hayden, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry were the most talented running back units that we have ever had. This year's RB corps of Hurd and Kamara is pretty damn good, but the nod still goes to the group of Jamal and Travis squared.
Wide Receiver - we have had some very good units at WR. out opinions was that the group of Justin Hunters and DaRick Rogers and Cordarrelle Patterson may have been the most talented. The current group is very talented and could move of the ladder of elite WR units in UT history if they can get some help from Hobbs accuracy, play calling, and time on the field.
QB - we have had some good QBs on the field and Hobbs is far from the most talented, the best passer, or even runner. He just has to be better than what he was to make the other groups listed above better.
DEFENSE
Defensive End - we had a great DE tandem in Chris Mimms and Chuck Smith in 1990-91. However this current unit is deep and ultra-talented. They could put their mark as the best DE unit in Vols history with a solid season.
Defensive Tackle - we had our best DTs in Henderson and Haynesworth. We don't have anyone with their size, speed, and destructiveness. They had that on a scale that no other school has ever had. Still this group of DTs can be the best of the next level down from H&H.
Linebacker - we have had several strong LB units over the years. The unit of Westmoreland, Al Wilson and Raynoch Thompson was pretty damn good. We gave the nod to them. This unit has 2-3 potential NFL players win it in Kirkland, JRM and McDowell. They need to stay healthy.
Safety and Corner Back - We have had several great groups of safeties over the years. We could not come up with one particular unit, but we came up with a lot of names at corners and safety. This secondary is very talented and could be a special group with time.
Kicker and Punter - we had Jimmy Colquitt and Fuad Reveiz at one time. This years guys are solid here.
Punt and Kick Returner - Sutton, Kamara, and Barry are the best group that we have ever had returning kicks and punts at UT.
Looking at this team, we agreed that Butch Jones has done a hell of a job of assembling some great talent. We have some groups capable of joining the elite ranks in UT football history.
My friend laid it out, "we have had great talent as specific positions, but when have we ever had so many positional units so good on one team as we have this year?"
We agreed that Butch Jones is the X factor who has to let this group play and let them hang out. This we agreed that Butch has to improve his Saturday Sideline Game Coaching. If he does, this is going to be a very special season for the Vols and Vols fans.
OFFENSE
Offensive Line - we have had some very good offensive linemen in the past, but those teams with Charles McRae and Antone Davis were very good on the front. While we don't have anyone on this roster who could reach their talent level, they are still decent. Probably one of the weaker spots on the team, compared to some of the "all-time talented units" from the past.
Running Back - the teams with Hayden, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry were the most talented running back units that we have ever had. This year's RB corps of Hurd and Kamara is pretty damn good, but the nod still goes to the group of Jamal and Travis squared.
Wide Receiver - we have had some very good units at WR. out opinions was that the group of Justin Hunters and DaRick Rogers and Cordarrelle Patterson may have been the most talented. The current group is very talented and could move of the ladder of elite WR units in UT history if they can get some help from Hobbs accuracy, play calling, and time on the field.
QB - we have had some good QBs on the field and Hobbs is far from the most talented, the best passer, or even runner. He just has to be better than what he was to make the other groups listed above better.
DEFENSE
Defensive End - we had a great DE tandem in Chris Mimms and Chuck Smith in 1990-91. However this current unit is deep and ultra-talented. They could put their mark as the best DE unit in Vols history with a solid season.
Defensive Tackle - we had our best DTs in Henderson and Haynesworth. We don't have anyone with their size, speed, and destructiveness. They had that on a scale that no other school has ever had. Still this group of DTs can be the best of the next level down from H&H.
Linebacker - we have had several strong LB units over the years. The unit of Westmoreland, Al Wilson and Raynoch Thompson was pretty damn good. We gave the nod to them. This unit has 2-3 potential NFL players win it in Kirkland, JRM and McDowell. They need to stay healthy.
Safety and Corner Back - We have had several great groups of safeties over the years. We could not come up with one particular unit, but we came up with a lot of names at corners and safety. This secondary is very talented and could be a special group with time.
Kicker and Punter - we had Jimmy Colquitt and Fuad Reveiz at one time. This years guys are solid here.
Punt and Kick Returner - Sutton, Kamara, and Barry are the best group that we have ever had returning kicks and punts at UT.
Looking at this team, we agreed that Butch Jones has done a hell of a job of assembling some great talent. We have some groups capable of joining the elite ranks in UT football history.
My friend laid it out, "we have had great talent as specific positions, but when have we ever had so many positional units so good on one team as we have this year?"
We agreed that Butch Jones is the X factor who has to let this group play and let them hang out. This we agreed that Butch has to improve his Saturday Sideline Game Coaching. If he does, this is going to be a very special season for the Vols and Vols fans.
