Wide Receivers
Nathanael: B+
I’ve been thoroughly impressed with Tennessee’s wide receivers this season. It’s not their fault they aren’t being utilized as effectively as they could be, and it’s not their fault the offensive line has been bad and hasn’t allowed Guarantano enough time to try and set up different passes.
Marquez Callaway has shown some solid ability, and I’ve been very impressed with Josh Palmer too. Jauan Jennings is finally starting to look like his old self and is knocking off all the rust it seems, and Jordan Murphy has flashed some as well. Tyler Byrd hasn’t done much in the passing game, but he’s a great blocker on the edge, as is Jennings.
I want to see Murphy utilized more as the season goes on, and that really depends on him learning the playbook more and working on his blocking. Otherwise, I’ve been impressed with all the main receivers aside from Brandon Johnson. He’s the only one who’s had issues catching passes this year really.
Ben: B+
Aside from Jarrett Guarantano, the wide receivers have been the brightest spot on offense this season. With just three drops on the season — two of which belong to Brandon Johnson — there has been evident growth from last season to this season. Wide receiver coach David “YAC” Johnson has done a great job of getting Jauan Jennings back on track, and Marquez Callaway and Josh Palmer have taken another step forward in their growth as receivers. Even players such as Johnson, Jordan Murphy, and Tyler Byrd have showed signs of improvement at times.
My gripe with the receivers aren’t with the receivers themselves, but with how they’re utilized. Callaway, Jennings, and Palmer are future pros, but they are used as if they’re fringe SEC players. All three have shown they’re capable of hauling in a pass in a big situation and should be used as such moving forward.
One Response
No way the QB gets a B-. UT has a QB that has no feel for the game, cannot read defenses, and has no running ability. JG is the worse QB in the conference behind the worse line in the conference.
I grade him a D- at best, just due to the fact he has improved from last year in the “throw game” (but not by much) and is playing behind this horrible offensive line.
With this team, we need a true mobile QB that can make plays with the legs. I would bring Jennings back to QB and let him run the team against Auburn, Miz, Kent, Charlotte, and Vandy. We have no chance with JT.
RECRUITING A QB IS A MUST.