Tennessee Football: Depth-Chart Analysis, Complete 2015 Preview and Prediction

Expectations are both exciting and dangerous endeavors for a long-suffering program like Tennessee football.

It can ignite a firestorm of enthusiasm around a football team that can captivate a fanbase, and a young team like the Volunteers can feed off that and excel.

Or, they can materialize as largely unrealistic and cause a subset of fans to come after the coach with torches and pitchforks after a subpar season.

Welcome to 2015, Vols coach Butch Jones!

Following a frenetic 4-1 finish that included a resounding TaxSlayer Bowl victory over Iowa—remarkably the Vols' first bowl win since the 2008 Outback Bowl—and the discovery of a budding star in quarterback Joshua Dobbs, everybody is drinking the orange Kool-Aid entering this season.

The Vols are a trendy pick for the top 25 in most polls, including the just-released Associated Press poll, and some even consider UT a contender for the SEC East crown instead of favorite Georgia.

Jones has built a talented and potentially dynamic roster through elite recruiting, but the vast majority of UT's playmakers are underclassmen. The lack of experience is alarming up and down the board.

When you toss in a difficult schedule and the fact that the Vols already have suffered three season-ending injuries this fall camp, including year-enders to starting left guard Marcus Jackson and nickelback Rashaan Gaulden, there are concerns.

But there's oh-so-much talent. From Dobbs to running backs Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara to a full stable of talented receivers to a defense that is loaded on the line and in the secondary, there are reasons across the board for excitement.

Can the Vols put it altogether and have the kind of season that announces their re-emergence in the national picture? That remains to be seen, but below, Bleacher Report will break down all you need to know about UT's hype-heightened 2015 season.

Coaches

Title	Name	Years on Team
Head Coach	Butch Jones	3
Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach	Mike DeBord	1
Defensive Coordinator	John Jancek	3
Associate Head Coach/Defensive Line	Steve Stripling	3
Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Backs	Willie Martinez	3
Wide Receivers/Passing Game Coordinator	Zach Azzanni	3
Running Backs/Recruiting Coordinator	Robert Gillespie	3
Tight Ends/Special Teams Coordinator	Mark Elder	3
Offensive Line Coach	Don Mahoney	3
Linebackers	Tommy Thigpen	3
Director of Strength and Conditioning	Dave Lawson	3

Jones' cohesive clique of coaches that has stayed fairly intact over the course of much of his career took a bit of a shot this offseason when longtime offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian bolted Knoxville to fulfill his dream of coaching in the NFL.

Rather than go out and make a sexy hire for a big name, the Vols instead replaced the new Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks coach with one of Jones' mentors in Mike DeBord, a man with whom he helped develop Jones' power-spread offense during their time together at Central Michigan.

Though the hire was met with little fanfare, the early returns have been promising, from Jones to the players to the assistants to the fans.

Credit: 247Sports

"It was a good fit," UT running backs coach Robert Gillespie told Chattanooga Times Free Press reporter Patrick Brown this spring. "I can see exactly why Coach Jones thought so high of him. He's a great coach, a really, really brilliant mind and a very, very technique-driven coach both up front with the offensive line, the running backs, the receivers. He's brought a fundamental game to the offense, and it's been good."

DeBord wants to bring an even faster and more furious tempo to UT than what Bajakian tried to run, and he has his maestro in Dobbs. The two have hit it off, and the Vols seem primed to break out offensively.

The only question (and it's a huge one) is what kind of groove can DeBord get in calling plays within the rhythm of a game, something he hasn't done since 2007? It's going to be interesting to watch.

For everybody else at every other position, nothing's changed.

It's the same staff coaching the same positions, and that continuity should benefit UT, especially on defense where a simple-yet-multiple approach from John Jancek last year yielded improvements across the board.

The Vols were exceptional in third-down defense and also excellent in getting after opposing quarterbacks. With a talented, veteran group leading the way on that side of the ball, UT looks ready to take a huge step forward defensively. 

There's reasons for optimism with the leadership such as Curt Maggitt, Cameron Sutton, Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Brian Randolph essentially becoming an extension of Jancek's philosophy.

That entire defensive coaching staff has been coaching a long time, so that appears to be a major combination for the Vols. 

As far as the head man, Tennessee fans are thrilled with what Jones has accomplished thus far in promoting the program, getting a much-improved product on the field and especially in recruiting.

But the expectations in Big Orange Country go beyond TaxSlayer championships. Jones knows it, and he and the players are saying all the right thing about embracing those lofty aspirations. He appears well on his way to building a powerhouse upon the ashes of a once-great program.

The next step is the biggest.

What to watch for on offense

Position	1st String	2nd String	3rd String
QB	Joshua Dobbs	Quinten Dormady	Sheriron Jones
RB	Jalen Hurd	Alvin Kamara	Ralph David Abernathy IV
WR	Jauan Jennings	Pig Howard (suspended for opener)	Jason Croom
WR	Marquez North	Josh Malone	Johnathon Johnson
WR	Josh Smith	Von Pearson	Vincent Perry
TE	Ethan Wolf	Alex Ellis	Neiko Creamer
RT	Coleman Thomas	Brett Kendrick	Drew Richmond
RG	Jack Jones	Dylan Wiesman	Venzell Boulware
C	Mack Crowder	Coleman Thomas	Ray Raulerson
LG	Jashon Robertson	Brett Kendrick	Charles Mosley
LT	Kyler Kerbyson	Chance Hall	Dontavius Blair
PK	Aaron Medley	George Bullock	Laszlo Toser
KR	Evan Berry	Alvin Kamara	Ralph David Abernathy IV
PR	Cameron Sutton	Von Pearson	Josh Smith/Josh Malone

Beyond the enigma that is DeBord's play-calling skills after so many years without doing it, the Vols' next two biggest storylines also are on offense.

The first question everybody wants to know is: Can Dobbs take the massive leap from being a talented athlete to being a championship-level quarterback?

Secondly (and this one may be the biggest issue on the entire team), is Tennessee's offensive line any better than it was during a miserable 2014?

Simply put, UT's season outcome hinges on positive answers to all three.

Starting with Dobbs who has gotten as much publicity as any SEC player this offseason not named Nick Chubb, huge things are expected. He has a strong arm, had plenty of "Wow!" moments down the stretch a season ago and tends to make things happen with his arm or feet when it matters most. 

But he still hasn't beaten anybody of any consequence yet. 

The ugly truth for him and the Vols is their biggest victory a season ago came against 7-6 teams South Carolina and Iowa. When Dobbs had the opportunity for a resounding, welcome-to-the-show win against Missouri in Neyland Stadium, the Vols couldn't get the job done.

Now, UT is expected to win some of its marquee matchups this year. Can the Vols exorcise the 10-year Florida demon? Can they register a signature victory at home against one of its rugged early-season foes Oklahoma, Arkansas or Georgia? Do they have what it takes to win road games at 'Bama or Mizzou?

Dobbs holds the key. If he can take a step similar to what Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott did a season ago, UT may have a special season. He's already getting plenty of lip service this spring. 

With all the potential playmakers UT has on offense in the running back duo of Hurd and Kamara, a wide receiving corps that can go nine- or 10-deep and a rising star in tight end Ethan Wolf, it just needs somebody who can consistently get them the ball.

Dobbs is going to be closely scrutinized this season, and he's reportedly off to a sterling start.

On the flip side, the offensive line has yet to draw many rave reviews from anybody. Coaches have been shuffling players everywhere, trying to find the best five a year after the unit was the weakest link on a mediocre team.

According to Tennessean columnist David Climer:

"

With the season-opener against Bowling Green less than three weeks away, the Vols have yet to finalize a starting five in the offensive line. They’re not even close. And for all the talent and depth elsewhere on the roster, the uncertainties up front on offense are cause for caution.

In short, if UT’s offensive line were up to traditional standards, you could make a case that the Vols could challenge Georgia in the SEC East. But until the offensive line questions are answered, it’s tough to make a call. There are too many unknowns.

"

The Vols have to be worlds better than they were a season ago when they tied for 122nd nationally in sacks allowed, per cfbstats.com, and consistently failed in opening holes for Hurd and Co.

If not, they can forget about beating the Georgias and Alabamas of the world.

What to watch for on defense

Position	1st String	2nd String	3rd String
DE	Derek Barnett	Kyle Phillips	Corey Vereen/LaTroy Lewis
DT	Danny O'Brien	Kahlil McKenzie	Owen Williams
DT	Kendal Vickers	Shy Tuttle	Dimarya Mixon
DE/SLB	Curt Maggitt	Chris Weatherd	Austin Smith
MLB	Darrin Kirkland Jr.	Kenny Bynum	Colton Jumper
WLB	Jalen Reeves-Maybin	Cortez McDowell	Quart'e Sapp
NB	Malik Foreman	Micah Abernathy	Cameron Sutton
CB	Emmanuel Moseley	Malik Foreman	Darrell Miller
CB	Cameron Sutton	Justin Martin	Max Arnold
S	Brian Randolph	Todd Kelly Jr.	Stephen Griffin
S	Todd Kelly Jr.	Evan Berry	LaDarrell McNeil (injured)
P	Trevor Daniel	Nate Renfro	Tommy Townsend

Forget last year's razor-thin unit that struggled and slowed at times because of a lack of depth; the Vols are loaded on defense.

If they can get adequate middle linebacker play from that wide-open battle and stay healthy at cornerback, they've got a chance to field one of the league's top-three or top-four units.

Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

The excitement starts with a pass rush that should be among the nation's best. Sophomore Derek Barnett has one of the quickest first steps you'll ever see and is trying to duplicate or improve upon a Freshman All-America season that saw him register 20.5 tackles for a loss.

Opposite him is senior hybrid defensive end/strong-side linebacker Curt Maggitt, who'll be getting ready to wreak havoc in the NFL this time next year. The most talented end is true freshman Kyle Phillips, who can't even crack the rotation because of those in front of him.

Throw in ballyhooed freshman defensive tackles Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle, and you can understand why UT is excited about the present and future along that offensive front.

The second level is where leader Jalen Reeves-Maybin resides, roaming sideline to sideline from his weak-side linebacker position and leading a unit that is young but promising. 

Freshman Darrin Kirkland Jr. has been recently making noise in the middle and may hold the current edge to start over junior Kenny Bynum and sophomore Colton Jumper.

All three should play.

On the back level, UT has the senior duo of Brian Randolph and LaDarrell McNeil at safety and potential All-American Cameron Sutton at cornerback. Throw in speedy sophomore Emmanuel Moseley, and that group looks strong.

JUCO transfer Justin Martin has an elite skill set, but he's just raw. He'll have to play a big role now, however, with nickelback Rashaan Gaulden out for the year with a broken foot.

The Vols need to stay healthy at the position for the defense to be strong. There aren't a ton of bodies at corner.

Strong recruiting has built a really sturdy group on defense that made a big move a season ago. If this unit makes the same progression in 2015, the Vols are going to be stout.

Injury News

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

This facet of the game hasn't been good to Jones' boys since the start of camp.

Tennessee needs to go ahead and have a revolving door to the training room installed in its plush new football facility. It seems the walking wounded are a veritable who's-who of the team's playmakers.

Player	Injury	Expected Return Date
Marcus Jackson	Torn Biceps Tendon	Career likely over
Austin Sanders	Torn Biceps Tendon	2016
Rashaan Gaulden	Broken Foot	2016
Marquez North	Knee	Before season starts

While most of the injuries aren't going to keep anybody out for an extended period of time, UT has suffered three season-ending injuries.

Gaulden's is the biggest with the position's lack of depth and because it takes such a unique skill set to play nickel. Perhaps the defense's best option is to move Sutton over there to replace him, but that takes a star from his comfort zone.

The Vols are going to have to find some answers quickly.

Injuries also have racked the offensive line, an area of concern to begin with. Fifth-year senior left guard Marcus Jackson is going to be difficult to replace. He is out for the year after tearing his biceps earlier this month.

Jackson had more starts and experience than anybody else on the unit. Though he wasn't the most talented lineman, the elder statesman was a leader and a quality player.

Redshirt sophomore Austin Sanders would have provided depth, but he too tore his biceps in what continued an odd stretch of injuries. Jones told GoVols247's Ryan Callahan that UT is looking into the recent rash of injuries:

"

I have a five-year study on injuries, and I can tell you this: The last three years were about the same — where we’re at in terms of individuals being held (out of practices), individuals kind of being status pending going into practice. We research everything, and there’s so much that goes into it, so we’re still in the process of researching it.

"

Regardless, UT must deal without those three. The Vols can ill afford to lose any other major contributors. They're a program on the upswing, but the depth isn't there to overcome any big losses.

X-factor

On offense, there are a few different options such as tight end Ethan Wolf and head-turning freshman receiver Jauan Jennings.

But the easy answer here is Kamara.

There just aren't many athletes like the 5'10", 215-pound sophomore JUCO transfer who began his college career at Alabama. He's dynamic, and ever since he arrived on Rocky Top this spring, he has done crazy things with the ball in his hands.

After admittedly having some maturity issues in Tuscaloosa that led to his transfer, he's embraced and is being embraced by his new teammates. Most importantly, he's making a difference on the field and off.

Jones had some high praise for him recently (via Dustin Dopirak of the Knoxville News Sentinel). 

Hurd may be the starter, but Kamara is Option 1B, and he's the ideal back for Jones' system. He can hit a seam or the sideline, turn it up a gear and get to the end zone.

If the Vols' offensive line is any good at all, AK is going to be fun to watch.

Defensively, there are also several quality choices, but the nod here goes to Martin.

He's listed as a 6'1", 183-pound cornerback, but the JUCO transfer sophomore looks taller, and he's so fluid out there it's hard to believe he's in the secondary. With his size, length and speed at the position, he hearkens back to some of those special Vols legends of old.

It may seem ridiculous to make a comparison to Dale Carter, but he made a massive impact after coming in from JUCO, and Martin has the same sick skills. 

With Gaulden out, he'll get every opportunity to start and excel. Once he gets acclimated to SEC play, his instincts will take over, and he'll fit right in in a strong secondary.

Missing a couple of weeks of fall drills with an injury won't help at all, but Martin has the ability to come back and be one of UT's three or four best defensive backs.

2014 schedule

Date	Opponent	Location
Sep. 5	Bowling Green	Nashville
Sep. 12	Oklahoma	Knoxville
Sep. 19	Western Carolina	Knoxville
Sep. 26	Florida	Gainesville, Fla.
Oct. 3	Arkansas	Knoxville
Oct. 10	Georgia	Knoxville
	BYE
Oct. 24	Alabama	Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Oct. 31	Kentucky	Lexington, Ky.
Nov. 7	South Carolina	Knoxville
Nov. 14	North Texas	Knoxville
Nov. 21	Missouri	Columbia, Mo.
Nov. 28	Vanderbilt	Knoxville

Make-or-break games

The Vols load up on some extremely important games early in the season, beginning with a revenge match against Oklahoma on Sep. 12 when the Sooners travel to Neyland Stadium.

Win that game and the nation will take notice. Emerge victorious and a bunch of young pups that have been hyped by the media may begin to realize if they buy in, the sky is the limit.

But there is no game bigger than the one in the Swamp on Sep. 26.

The Gators own Tennessee, having won a decade's worth of games. With all of Florida's offensive issues, injuries in the defensive front seven and breaking in a new coach with a new offensive philosophy in Jim McElwain, everything points to UT being the favorite here.

That hasn't mattered recently. The Vols blew a 9-0 lead against UF in Knoxville last year, and it seems they just can't get the albatross off their back. Now's the ideal time to do it.

If they win that game, the Georgia battle in Neyland may be for the SEC East crown, and though Tennessee hasn't beaten the Dawgs since 2009, when Lane Kiffin was the head coach, the past three have been one-possession losses.

If they can break through with a win, they'll be in the driver's seat in the division, and that, in turn, will make the late-season showdown in Columbia, Missouri, massive as well.

There are plenty of potential "games of the season" for the Vols, but if they can go ahead and beat Florida, it'll go a long way in determining the season's long-term tenor.

Prediction

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

I may admittedly be a little Kool-Aid-drunk myself when it comes to looking at the Vols this year, as I picked them to win nine games this season.

The past two seasons, I've correctly guessed 5-7 and 6-6, but there's just something about this season. Yes, the injuries are more than mildly concerning, and there are plenty of strong opponents on the schedule.

But the way the Vols melded together down the stretch last year, got better and then dominated Iowa in the bowl game, they just looked like they began to believe.

"We played pretty well toward the end of the season, and a lot of guys, myself included, we wish we could have had that mindset or playing that way throughout the whole season, and now we know what a little bit of success feels like," Maggitt told Bleacher Report this spring. "I know we're not to our goal yet, but we know what it feels like a little bit.

"So we've got to keep that momentum rolling through the offseason and training camp."

There are major offensive line issues, and those are never a good thing. But the Vols have talent there. With a running quarterback in Dobbs, they'll be able to manufacture plenty of yards on offense.

Defensively, they've got the potential to be really, really good.

Yes, there will be some stumbles, but there are also going to be some big wins that prove these guys are on the cusp of returning to the conference conversation. Eight wins is probably the safe bet, but I'm going to go on the high side of optimism for a change.

Overall Record: 9-3

Conference Record: 6-2

All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. All recruiting information obtained from 247Sports unless otherwise noted. All stats gathered from UTSports.com unless otherwise noted. 

Brad Shepard covers SEC football and is the Tennessee lead writer for Bleacher Report. Follow Brad on Twitter @Brad_Shepard.