4. Significant Upgrade in Talent
Everyone knows that the Vols have added a ton of talent to this team. The Legacy Class was loaded with studs like Jalen Hurd, Von Pearson, Chris Weatherd, Derek Barnett, Ethan Wolf, Daniel Helm, Jashon Robertson and Emmanuel Moseley, all of whom look poised to make an immediate impact. Throw in Marquez North, Josh Smith, Devaun Swafford, Jalen Reeves-Mabin, Corey Vereen and Cam Sutton and that’s a ton of folks who should see significant playing time this season who weren’t even on the roster for Dooley’s last year.
On the one hand, it’s a testimony to the sorry state in which Dooley left the program. But on the other, it’s a testimony to what the future could well look like under Butch Jones. Because it’s official. The man can recruit, the early returns on the 2015 class offering validation thereof.
And that future begins a week from Sunday. Much has been made of the lack of returning starters on both the offense and defensive lines. Rightfully so. But with so much young talent in key positions, both skilled and otherwise, the Vols should see their fair share of explosive plays this year. You string a few of those together, and you’ll surprise a team or two along the way. Make no mistake about it. UT has the talent to do just that this season.
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