Tennessee Football: Predicting the Two-Deep Depth Chart

As we head into Tennessee spring practice, which begins March 26th, there are a few positions that are still up for grabs on the two-deep depth chart, though not too many.

That most positions have been decided before spring practice is a refreshing sign for the Vols, who have struggled with youth and inconsistency for the past few years.

The comprehensive two-deep depth chart is as follows.

Quarterback

Starter: Tyler Bray

Backup: Justin Worley

No surprises here. Tyler Bray showed his superior arm strength last year. Justin Worley filled in admirably when Bray went down with a broken thumb.

Running Back

Tailback starter: Marlin Lane

Backup: Jaron Toney

Fullback starter: Ben Bartholomew

Backup: Channing Fugate

The tailback position is incredibly thin once again. The only player who had more than 31 carries last year is Marlin Lane, who will be relied on to lead the way.

Channing Fugate might be a more explosive running and pass-catching fullback, but Ben Bartholomew's terrific blocking earned him the starting nod at the end of the 2011 season.

Wide Receiver

1A WR starter: Justin Hunter

Backup: Cordarelle Patterson

1B WR starter: Da'Rick Rogers

Backup: Rajion Neal

TE starter: Mychal Rivera

Backup: Cameron Clear

The depth chart is for a two-receiver, one-tight end set, though Tennessee is likely to use several offensive sets with three wide receivers this fall. In those instances, Cordarrelle Patterson will be the first option at the slot spot.

Because he was able to escape injury, Da'Rick Rogers showed his incredible talent last year.

And yes, the "1A" and "1B" titles are completely intentional.

Offensive Line

LT starter: Dallas Thomas

Backup: Antonio Richardson

LG starter: Alex Bullard

Backup: Marcus Jackson

Center starter: James Stone**

Backup: Mack Crowder

RG starter: Zach Fulton

Backup: JerQuari Schofield

RT starter: Ja'Wuan James

Backup: Kyler Kerbyson

The offensive line is intact for a third straight year. They had a bad 2011 season, but I expect to see them bounce back and resemble their 2010 selves, plus two years of experience.

For the most part, the backups are interchangeable, especially on the interior of the offensive line. I decided to list a different player for each position because reading Marcus Jackson's name three times doesn't sound like too much fun.

**Note: I am the president of the movement to reinsert James Stone at center.

Defensive Line

RE starter: Marlon Walls

Backup: Corey Miller

NT starter: Daniel McCullers

Backup: Allan Carson

LE starter: Maurice Couch

Backup: Daniel Hood

The Volunteers are likely to make the switch to the 3-4 defense with new defensive coordinator Sal Sunseri and the kind of linemen and linebackers they have.

In the 3-4, a huge nose tackle is necessary to anchor the front seven. At 380 pounds, JUCO transfer Daniel McCullers fits the bill perfectly.

The ends in the 3-4 are typically undersized 4-3 defensive tackles.

Linebacker

Right OLB starter: Curt Maggitt

Backup: Jordan Williams

Right ILB starter: Herman Lathers

Backup: Greg King

Left ILB starter: A.J. Johnson

Backup: John Propst

Left OLB starter: Jacques Smith

Backup: Willie Bohannon

The extra linebacker in the 3-4 defense will prove invaluable for the Vols. The team is loaded with great talent at that position.

Small 4-3 defensive ends like Jacques Smith and Willie Bohannon are perfect outside linebackers in a 3-4. Smith's and freshman All-American Curt Maggitt's speed off the edge is something to watch for.

The inside is manned by A.J. Johnson, another freshman All-American, and Herman Lathers, a veteran returning from an injury that sidelined him all of 2011.

Defensive Backs

RCB starter: Prentiss Waggner

Backup: Justin Coleman

SS starter: Brent Brewer

Backup: Rodriguez Wilks

FS starter: Brian Randolph

Backup: Byron Moore

LCB starter: Izauea Lanier

Backup: Marsalis Teague

The emergence of freshman All-American Brian Randolph allowed Prentiss Waggner to move back to his natural cornerback position, which is exactly what the Tennessee Volunteers wanted.

The Big Orange have plenty of depth in the secondary. They just need to prove they're as good as they were supposed to be coming out of high school and junior college.

Special Teams

Kicker starter: Michael Palardy

Backup: George Bullock

Punter starter: Matt Darr

Backup: George Bullock

Kick returner starter: Devrin Young

Backup: Marlin Lane

Punt returner starter: Devrin Young

Backup: Rajion Neal

The special teams will be manned by a familiar group—for better or for worse.

George Bullock, the recently signed kicking and punting standout, waits in the wings if Michael Palardy or Matt Darr show signs that they haven't improved.

Devrin Young will get another shot to prove his play-making ability as the premier return man.