Tennessee Volunteers Football: Predicting 2012 Stat Lines for Impact Players

It's never too early to take a look at the 2012 season. In fact, I've already written two articles regarding predictions and the schedule.

This year gave us a preview as to who will probably have successful careers at Tennessee. People like Tyler Bray, Da'Rick Rodgers, Justin Hunter and Curt Maggitt had breakout seasons that showed that they were the future of this Volunteers team.

Next year is looking good for Tennessee, partly because of these returning talents, ready to light up the stat board and carry the Vols to victory.

Here are those players.

Tyler Bray

I'm not going to beat around the bush and save this guy for last. Bray has shown that he is a terrific quarterback who can lead this team sufficiently and give Tennessee an enormous passing game. 

Bray excelled in all aspects of the QB position before going down with a thumb injury against Georgia. Luck happened to have Tennessee facing their toughest stretch of the season's schedule without Bray.

I don't know whether or not that would have made a big difference, but it would have helped.

If he continues to improve, Bray is a lock for a first-round selection in two years. Tennessee will definitely look to him more, which will certainly boost his stats.

Prediction: 2800 YDS, 30 TD, 9 INT, 60% CMP

Marlin Lane

Lane will finally have the chance to be the starting running back after Tauren Poole's disappointing performance this year (could you blame him? He got no blocking).

Lane is ready to show that he can be the starting running back and provide something this offense needs.

Last year, Tennessee ranked 116th in the running game. That will not fly if they want to, you know, win games. Tennessee's offensive coordinator will certainly work with the offensive line to improve their blocking skills and to give Lane lanes (it's a pun!)

Lane will look to give the Tennessee offense a new layer and depth to help relieve the pressure from Bray and the passing game. He won't have a monstrous season, but he will certainly be welcomed.

Prediction: 200 CAR, 850 YDS, 4.25 AVG, 7 TD

Rajion Neal

This is my pick for the breakout receiver for next year. Neal may not get the most receptions or yards, but he will make the most of what they give him.

Neal has great speed, which is why he had a lot more carries than other wide receivers. He can play running back in a pinch and can give the Tennessee offense a little room to play around with the playbook.

He actually led the team in average yards per catch, with 20. That shows he has big playmaking ability that the passing game can use.

I think Neal finds himself with more responsibility this season and he will jump on it.

Prediction: 30 REC, 600 YDS, 20.0 AVG, 4 TD

Da'Rick Rogers

Rogers was one of the stars of Knoxville last year after he stepped up his game when Justin Hunter went down with a knee injury. Rogers was the leading receiver for the Vols, with over 1,000 yards receiving.

Rogers quickly became the go-to receiver for Bray, who especially needed one. There have been rumors that Rogers has attitude problems and lashed out during the Kentucky game, but I think those rumors were exaggerated.

You could tell in the games that Rogers did care, though the Kentucky one was a poor performance on his part.

I think with some help from a returning receiving cast, Rogers will see his spotlight fade, but will still keep up his production.

Prediction: 65 REC, 1000 YDS, 15.4 AVG, 10 TD

Justin Hunter

It was very disappointing to see Hunter go down with an injury in the Florida game. He was on track to have a great year. Coupled with Rogers, he looked to be one of the premier SEC receivers.

Hunter provides the deep threat to which Bray can showcase his arm and make big plays. Even though he went down with a knee injury after three games, Hunter still finished the season at third in receiving.

With Hunter at full health, there is no reason why he shouldn't be performing excellently.

I think Hunter goes onto the field healthy and shows everybody that he can come back from injury in a flash.

Prediction: 55 REC, 900 YDS, 16.4 AVG, 10 TD

Curt Maggitt

Maggitt was one of the two true freshmen to start at linebacker for the Vols in 2011 (the other being A.J. Johnson) and he made the most of his freshman year. Maggitt tied for third on the team in tackles, with 56.

When you look at his stats, realize he was a true freshman.

As a sophomore, I have no reason to doubt that he can repeat and even expand upon his success in his freshman year. Tennessee has something really special here with him and Johnson and I hope they realize that.

Prediction: 65 TOT (35 SOLO, 30 AST), 2 INT

A.J. Johnson

As the second of the two true freshmen linebackers, Johnson certainly was the one that was more surprising when he burst onto the scene. He was expected to be decent, but he smashed all preconceptions of him when he went onto that field.

He seemed to step up when the pressure was the highest, and that is exactly what Tennessee needs. His 13 tackles at Alabama were the second most by a true freshman since Eric Berry. That is no coincidence.

The Vols have amazing talent at the linebacker position. Do not be shocked when you hear their names being called a lot.

Prediction: 85 TOT (40 SOLO, 45 AST), 4 INT

Prentiss Waggner

Waggner was one of the stars of this defense in 2010 and was expected to perform better in 2011. While he still performed admirably, it was less than stellar and he experienced drop-offs from his 2010 season.

I think Waggner bounces back this season, though, because it is his last season. He wants to not only go out with a bang, but also impress some NFL scouts that have been looking at him for a few years now.

Waggner will find his swagger and will go back to his shutdown defensive back ways.

Prediction: 60 TOT (45 SOLO, 15 AST), 4 INT

Jacques Smith

Jacques Smith is one of the few veterans on the defensive line, which is arguably one of the most important positions in football. Smith has compiled two good years, but he still does leave something to be desired.

Have no doubt, Smith is one of the best players on the defense, but he still has not lived up to his full potential. The positive thing is that Smith is on track to becoming a great defensive lineman after a 2011 season that saw him increase tackles for loss and tackles as a whole. 

Jacques has the skill to be an outstanding linemen for the Volunteers, but he needs to utilize his skill set.

This is the year that Smith really breaks out and helps the Vols defense immensely.

Prediction: 45 TOT (25 SOLO, 20 AST), 10 TFL

Brian Randolph

Here is the award for the best player you don't know about.

Randolph exploded onto the scene for the Vols in 2012 and was later elected for the SEC All-Freshman team. It wasn't hard to see why.

If nothing else, Randolph was one of the most consistent players on this Tennessee team, which is something you don't usually see in safeties. While he did have some fluctuation, he was pretty reliable versus teams like Alabama and LSU.

Randolph looks like he can grow into someone that can perform at a high level. In a pass-happy college football world, Randolph is going to need to keep up his game and be even more consistent now.

I fully trust him in that endeavor.

Prediction: 65 TOT (35 SOLO, 30 AST), 2 INT