The Vols have blazed through a third of their schedule for the 2024 season. They have started the season 4-0 for the second time in the Josh Heupel era. The team boasts an elite offense that can burn you deep, but also gash you on the ground, and an elite defense that turns first downs into a luxury.
Ahead of their matchup with the Arkansas Razorbacks, we’re going to look at each position group for Tennessee and give them a grade based on their performance so far this season, and what to expect going forward.
QUARTERBACK: A
The quarterback play so far for Tennessee has been everything Vols fans had hoped for coming into this season. Nico Iamaleava has been a star for the Vols and looks poised to accomplish big things in the Orange and White.
Through four games, Nico has completed 67% of his passes for 1,206 yards and nine touchdowns. He also has accounted for 117 yards on 25 carries and 1 touchdown. He has turned the ball over a few times, but those are mistakes that someone with the talent of Nico should be able to fix himself.
In limited reps, backups Gaston Moore and Jake Merklinger have impressed as well. When either has been put into the game, the offense has been able to operate as it would if Iamaleava was under center.
If Nico keeps his pace up, and Tennessee keeps winning, he could end up seeing himself in national awards talks by the end of the season. The future is bright on Rocky Top with Nico Iamaleava under center.
RUNNING BACKS: A+
Josh Heupel is proving to be a sort of running back whisperer throughout his time at Tennessee. That continues this year with this running back room. Between Dylan Sampson and DeSean Bishop, the Vols are set at running back.
Sampson has been every bit the star that was previewed last season. On only 69 carries, Sampson has racked up 445 yards for an FBS-leading 10 touchdowns.
How many players have scored 10 TDs this season?
One.@dylans21527 | #GBO 🍊 pic.twitter.com/orThIh3HdZ
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) September 26, 2024
When Sampson needs a break, DeSean Bishop picks up the weight pretty well. On 38 carries, Bishop has picked up 257 yards and 3 touchdowns. Last week against Oklahoma, Bishop cracked off back-to-back runs for first downs that really sparked the ground game for the Vols.
The run game is a major part of the Vols offense, and its success is vital for the team’s success. The Vols ran the ball well against Oklahoma and will need to continue to do so the rest of the year. Thankfully, Sampson and Bishop make that an easy feat.
OFFENSIVE LINE: B
The offensive line was a major question mark for the Vols coming into this season. Through the first three games, the group played very well. Against Oklahoma however, their weaknesses got exposed.
The Vols have only had their core group of starters together for two games, and this is a major part of their weakness. The good news is that Josh Heupel announced that he expects both starting tackles, Lance Heard and John Campbell Jr., to be ready for the Arkansas game.
When the group is all available, they are an elite group and should keep Nico safe, the problem is just staying healthy.
WIDE RECEIVERS: B-
The Vols’ receivers have by no means been bad this year. There is just not a whole lot on paper for them so far. The most catches by any of them is 12, by Bru McCoy. He and Dont’e Thornton Jr. seem to have established themselves as the top two options for Nico.
With that being said, there is still seemingly an open spot for the Vols’ #1 wide receiver. It will be interesting to watch who will step up and claim that spot. I believe there is a lot of room for growth left in this group.
The receiving group as a whole will need to step up and be able to produce big numbers in order for the Vols to meet their playoff aspirations.
TIGHT ENDS: A
The tight end room has been very impressive so far. The Vols have three viable options at the position that can seemingly interchange with each other and still have the same impact.
In the run game, the tight ends have proven to be dominant blockers. Heupel has incorporated a lot of 12 personnel this season, which hasn’t been seen in his offenses in years past. The confidence he has in his tight ends, allows the Vols to add a whole new wrinkle to their run game.
Grown Man Football. pic.twitter.com/I00vfb3w4g
— SEC Unfiltered (@SECUnfiltered) September 11, 2024
In the passing game, the tight ends have proven to be reliable targets, and all three have caught a touchdown so far.
DEFENSIVE LINE: A+
Tennessee’s defensive line is arguably the best in all of College Football. The Vols’ defense as a whole is only allowing 1.4 yards per carry, and that starts up front with the defensive line. The group has also accounted for 7 sacks and 31 TFLs.
The biggest story about the defensive line, however, is the depth available for Rodney Garner and Josh Heupel. Tennessee has so many players that can be plugged in on the defensive line and make an impact.
Teams focus their entire offensive game plans around stopping Tennessee’s defensive line. That can not be said about too many teams in College Football.
LINEBACKERS: A-
Tennessee had a serious question mark over their linebacker position heading into this season. They lost their leading tackler, Elijah Herring, to the transfer portal going into this season. However, Keenan Pili and Arion Carter quickly put those doubts to rest. Carter (15) and Pili (14) are one and two on the team in total tackles through four games. The duo is also elite in pass coverage, something Tennessee has lacked greatly in years past.
Pili is also 26, which means he’s been playing College Football for a long time and has seen a lot of things. This provides Tennessee with a veteran presence on defense that can help the young guys keep their eyes on the prize.
Carter and Pili have started out very strong but will need to keep consistent for Tennessee’s elite defense to remain.
SECONDARY: A+
The secondary for the Vols in 2023 was bad, there is no other way to put it. Knowing this, Josh Heupel and co. rehauled the position group entirely. They signed transfers Jermod McCoy, from Oregon State, and Jakobe Thomas, from Middle Tennessee St. Both of these guys have been incredible surprises for the Vols.
McCoy, through 4 games, has been the elite shutdown corner Josh Heupel has been searching for since becoming the Tennessee head coach. In his SEC debut, he was targeted 4 times and allowed 0 catches. He also had 1 interception and pass breakup.
Thomas has provided the defense with the hard-hitting mentality it has been lacking. On multiple occasions, Thomas has had some thunderous hits. He has also been solid in coverage.
Still can’t get over this hit by Jakobe Thomas last night 😳 pic.twitter.com/vgxPZduc6x
— Vol Report (@AllVolReport) September 22, 2024
Other than these two, talented sophomore Rickey Gibson III lines up across McCoy, and Andre Turrentine is the other safety. You don’t hear these guys’ names too often, but that is not a bad thing when talking about defensive backs.
SPECIAL TEAMS: A
The Vols have a good special teams unit this season. They are ranked high amongst all of College Football in total return yards and return yards allowed. Kicker Max Gilbert has been automatic this season, having made 10/11 field goals. Punter Jackson Ross continues to be a wildcard, with his unique ability of being able to kick with both legs.
Tennessee is in a really good position through four games. They have their typical explosive offense, but they also have one of College Football’s best defenses. Their schedule does not get easier, but there is something different about this year’s team.
The Vols are back in action on Saturday, October 5. They will take on the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorbacks Stadium.
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