Receivers/Tight Ends
Daniel:
WR: 1. Marquez North 2. Jason Croom
WR: 1. Josh Smith 2. Josh Malone
WR: 1. Pig Howard 2. Johnathon Johnson
TE: 1. Ethan Wolf 2. Alex Ellis
Thoughts: I’m leaving Von Pearson off for now until we hear anything different. I think the six listed will be the main rotation they go with, and I would add Preston Williams to that equation as soon as he’s fully healthy and ready to go. I thought somebody might step up at backup tight end this spring like Neiko Creamer, but I didn’t really see that happen. I’m sticking with Alex Ellis there.
Houston:
WR: 1. Marquez North 2. Jason Croom
WR: 1. Josh Smith 2. Josh Malone
WR: 1. Pig Howard 2. Johnathon Johnson
TE: 1. Ethan Wolf 2. Alex Ellis/Neiko Creamer
Thoughts: Like Daniel, I’m leaving Pearson off until I hear otherwise. It was really difficult to asses this group during the spring because so many of them were banged up. All should be 100-percent by the time fall camp starts, and hopefully that will lead to improved play because this spring was a very average one for Zach Azzanni’s group. With Preston Williams already on campus, it wouldn’t surprise me if the coaches do all they can to make sure he’s in a position to compete for snaps this fall if he can get healthy…They need his playmaking ability right now.
Ethan Wolf had a solid spring and will be a great target for Joshua Dobbs in the fall, but they need a body or two to step up behind him before you start feeling great about the tight end position. Alex Ellis will likely return from injury as the #2 after Neiko Creamer’s surprisingly quiet spring.
Reed:
WR: 1. Marquez North 2. Josh Malone
WR: 1. Josh Smith 2. Jason Croom
WR: 1. Pig Howard 2. Johnathon Johnson
TE: 1. Ethan Wolf 2. Alex Ellis
Thoughts: I didn’t expect for this group to have so many question marks at this point, but a poor, injury riddled spring really hurt this unit. I like what I saw from Josh Smith as he worked his way back from an ankle injury. Tennessee needs him to stay healthy. Marquez North was limited but appeared to be a step quicker than the last couple years. That’s definitely a good sign. Pig Howard had another great spring and should be in for another nice year at the slot. Johnathon Johnson should be a solid backup for Howard. Behind them? Nothing but question marks. Josh Malone still struggled with inconsistency. Jason Croom was out for the spring. Von Pearson looks like his football playing days could be over. The Vols need newcomer Preston Williams to get healthy ASAP. At tight end, Tennessee has some depth. Ethan Wolf has the starting spot locked down and could be in for a breakout year. Alex Ellis, A.J. Branisel and Neiko Creamer should provide quality depth.
