SEC Football Roundtable: Tennessee Volunteers

What are some of the major position battles going on within your team?

Offensively, Tennessee has a lot of talent in the backfield, and several guys will be fighting for playing time. Senior Arian Foster will likely be the starter at running back. He will split playing time with sophomore Lennon Creer and freshman Tauren Poole, who has shown flashes of star potential.

Defensively, the secondary and linebackers should be solid, but the big question mark is with the D-line. The starting front four should be pretty good, but there is little depth behind them. The biggest battle there is to find guys to fill in when one of the starting four needs a break or in the event that one gets hurt. The coaches are looking for highly touted sophomore DE Ben Martin to step up, and for continued improvement from the rest of the pack.

Who are some players on each sides of the ball that you see emerging as stars this year?

Gerald Jones has all the tools to become a household name in Knoxville. He is a solid receiver with great play making potential, and the "G-Gun" package will allow him to showcase both his arm and legs.

As good as Eric Berry was last year, he should be double that or better this year.

Are there any injuries your team is worrying about?

Montario Hardesty's leg injury is just another in a long line of unfortunate injuries he has sustained throughout his career at UT. Hardesty could be a real contributor were he ever to return to and remain at full strength. Jonathan Crompton's surgery on his throwing arm went smoothly and he has resumed throwing but it remains to be seen if the surgery had any adverse effects on him. Big tight end Jeff Cottam suffered a right leg fibula fracture in spring practice but is expected to make a full recovery by fall.

What do you think your team’s major strengths and weaknesses will be?

Strengths - The secondary should be pretty stout with the emergence of Eric Berry and the return of the talented Demetrice Morley. All the rest have seen plenty of game time and drastically improved toward the end of last year. Tailbacks should have a good year running behind a big veteran offensive line, but must become more consistent.

Weaknesses - With Britton Colquitt's suspension, punting duties fall to Chad Cunningham who is improving, but has been sporadic. Lack of depth at defensive tackle is a real concern.

What games are you most looking forward to watching this year?

Tennessee was embarrassed by both Florida and Alabama on the road last year and I'd really like to see Tennessee return the favor. Also, since our blog deals with both Tennessee and Auburn sports, the UT - Auburn game will obviously be of great interest.

What record do you think your team will end the regular season with?

It's really tough to say, as there is growing parity in the SEC and truly anything can happen. This Tennessee team has the potential to be special but must endure stiff tests from UCLA, Florida, and Auburn in the first 4 games. It also must brave a four game stretch against Georgia, Mississippi State, Alabama and South Carolina, all of whom should be improved.

Optimistic Prediction: 11-1, loss to Florida, Georgia, or Auburn

Realistic prediction, 10-2, losses to, again, Florida, Georgia, or Auburn

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