Receivers/Tight Ends
Neiko Creamer
Initial ranking: ★★★
Was it a good ranking? At this point, a three-star rating appears fair, but that could change quickly in 2015. Creamer came in as a wide receiver, but spent the majority of fall camp at linebacker before switching back to tight end and going through a redshirt season at the position. Creamer was giving the first and second team defenses all they could handle during bowl practices at tight end, and possesses a level of athleticism not seen at the position for Tennessee in quite some time. With Daniel Helm transferring out, Creamer will have some opportunities to see the field for the Vols in 2015.
Rerank: Incomplete
Daniel Helm
Initial ranking: ★★★★
Was it a good ranking? It was probably a tad high. Helm has a ton of potential as a pass catching tight end and played in 12 games for Tennessee last year. But he needs to get stronger to develop as a blocker to realize his potential. He wasn’t super productive at Tennessee (six catches for 37 yards) and chose to leave the program and continue his career at Duke. Don’t be surprised if he puts up big numbers in a couple years, but he’s not there yet.
Rerank: ★★★
Josh Malone
Initial ranking: ★★★★
Was it a good ranking? Yes. Malone struggled to adjust to the physicality of the college game last season, but has all the physical tools to be successful at the SEC level. He hauled in 23 passes for 231 yards – good for 5th on the team in receiving yards. He needs to get stronger and play tougher moving forward to completely realize his potential.
Rerank: ★★★★
Von Pearson
Initial ranking: ★★★★
Was it a good ranking? If anything, it was a bit low. Pearson was limited for the majority of the season due to a bad high ankle sprain, but he still recorded 38 catches for 393 yards and five touchdowns – ranking him second on the team in all three categories. He should be in for a big 2015 season.
Rerank: ★★★★
Vic Wharton
Initial ranking: ★★★
Was it a good ranking? Yes. Wharton has the potential to develop into a solid collegiate player at receiver and possibly kick returner. He has very good hands and plus speed, though his frame is a little small and he’s not particularly fluid. He played in nine games for Tennessee, with the majority of his production coming on a 49-yard TD reception (from Marlin Lane) in the bowl game. Unless something changes, it looks like he’ll continue his career elsewhere.
Rerank: ★★★
Ethan Wolf
Initial ranking: ★★★
Was it a good ranking? Wolf was Tennessee’s best tight end this season by a long shot and is already a very complete player. He started 11 games for the Vols and recorded 23 receptions for 212 yards – more production than the Vols got from the entire position in 2013. He was forced to stay in and block due to UT’s struggling OL or he would have certainly put up bigger numbers. He’s an above average blocker and helped spring some of Tennessee’s best plays of the season with key blocks. He could have a breakout 2015.
Rerank: ★★★★
