Receiver/tight end
Marquez Callaway
Initial ranking: ★★★★
Was it a good ranking? It looked like Callaway might be on track for a redshirt, but he made his debut against South Carolina on Oct. 29 and then played the rest of the season. The highlight of his year was a 62-yard punt return for a touchdown against Tennessee Tech. You shouldn’t look too much into that because of the level of competition, but it was an encouraging sign. All-in-all, 2016 wasn’t quite what some were expecting for this highly-rated player, but Callaway still has plenty of time to live up to his ranking.
Rerank: ★★★
Jeff George
Initial ranking: ★★★
Was it a good ranking? George was on the field a fair amount, and was even credited with a couple starts. The junior-college transfer wasn’t a huge factor in the passing game, however, making just one catch for 20 yards. Like the rest of the receivers, he’ll have more opportunities in 2017.
Rerank: ★★★
Brandon Johnson
Initial ranking: ★★★
Was it a good ranking? He played in nine games and made seven catches for 93 yards. He had minimal impact, but minimal opportunity as well. He’ll be one of the players who tries to help fill the void that Josh Malone leaves next season.
Rerank: ★★★
Tyler Byrd
Initial ranking: ★★★★ (cornerback)
Was it a good ranking? Tennessee’s most successful freshman receiver wasn’t even labeled one coming in, and potentially could move to defense in 2017. But in 2016, Tyler Byrd emerged as a nice option in the slot, recording 15 catches and eight carries as the Vols utilized him in a variety of roles. He also helped out in the return game and had an impressive 67-yard kickoff return in the regular-season finale against Vanderbilt. With the Vols needing help at cornerback as well, his future position is up in the air, but regardless, he showed the athleticism needed to be a quality SEC player.
Rerank: ★★★★
Latrell Williams
Initial ranking: ★★★
Was it a good ranking? The Florida speedster was injured early in the season and ended up taking a redshirt season in 2016. It will be interesting to see if the updated offensive staff finds a way to utilize his speed in the future.
Rerank: ★★★
(TE) Austin Pope
Initial ranking: ★★★
Was it a good ranking? With Ethan Wolf and Jason Croom at tight end, Pope, a Knoxville native, was able to take a redshirt in 2016. He looked smooth in practice, and will have an opportunity to compete to be Wolf’s backup in 2017.
Rerank: ★★★
