Tennessee Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up

Spring theme

I think the biggest theme of spring was the adjustment of players to a new coaching staff and a new way of doing things. In 15 practices, coaches wanted to figure out what they have on the current roster and what they’ll need to tweak in 2013 in response to the strengths (and mainly limitations) of the personnel.

The quarterback situation is far from settled, but junior Justin Worley emerged as a clear No. 1 coming out of spring. Most of the other questions, however, haven’t been answered. They’ve just been put on hold until August camp.

Potential breakout players

By default, Tennessee’s leading receiver in 2013 will be someone who has never started a game and is largely unknown. Redshirt freshman Jason Croom had a solid spring and is off to a good start for winning a starting job in August. Sophomore Cody Blanc could also be a factor.

On defense, longtime reserve linebacker/special teams player Dontavis Sapp could finally get his chance to play a meaningful role. He had a great spring.

Position group grades

Quarterbacks — C-

Receivers — D

Running backs — C

Offensive line — A

Defensive line — B+

Linebackers — B-

Defensive backs — C

Specialists — C+

So many positions are unsettled, so these grades are all incomplete until August.

The offensive line has a chance to be as good as advertised, but I think most people don’t realize the level of talent and experience on the defensive front four. With a fresh start in a new defense, that group could be really good.

The receivers are going to be an adventure this year. There’s no other way to put it.

Are there any “surprises” we can expect?

The schedule is brutal, so I think the best hope is that some of the bad luck and bad karma that has plagued UT in close games over the last few years starts to balance out. I imagine the consensus projection for UT in 2013 will be 5-7 or 6-6, and I think that’s about right.

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Evan Woodbery of Go Vols Extra provided the information for our Tennessee Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up. For more Tennessee football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Evan on Twitter @TennesseeBeat.

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