Tennessee
6 burning Tennessee football questions after spring game, as transfer portal opens
Tennessee football can rest easy about its starting quarterback situation. Not only is Nico Iamaleava the starter, he’s a star in the making. Iamaleava’s tidy 7-of-9 passing performance in Saturday’s spring game reiterated that all is well with Tennessee’s QB1.
Elsewhere on the roster, it’s more of a mixed situation. The Vols have a few areas they could solidify entering this spring transfer portal window.
On this edition of “The Volunteer State,” Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel’s Adam Sparks review the spring game and address some burning questions.
Which areas of the roster look like strengths? Where does Tennessee require reinforcements?
Let’s dive in:
Is Elijah Herring’s departure to the transfer portal a red flag?
No. Although Herring led Tennessee with 80 tackles last season, he faced a more complicated path to retaining a starting job because of Keenan Pili’s return from injury and the development of Jeremiah Telander. Herring’s tackle stats didn’t tell the full story, either. Tennessee needs improvement from that position.
Who’s Tennessee’s backup quarterback behind Nico Iamaleava, and should the Vols be worried about QB depth?
Gaston Moore is the backup, and freshman Jake Merklinger follows behind him. Both played well in the spring game. Moore is better than your typical walk-on, and he’s familiar with Josh Heupel’s system.
If Iamaleava misses a few plays, Tennessee is in fine shape with its backup options. If Iamaleava were to miss extended time, that could be an issue for the Vols. But, a lot of teams around college football could say that.
Is there a running back depth problem behind Dylan Sampson?
That depends on Cam Seldon’s injury situation. Seldon did not play in the spring game after undergoing shoulder surgery. If Tennessee has concerns about Seldon’s availability, then it should hunt for a transfer to offer support for Sampson.
Is this secondary better or just newer?
The secondary featured a significant amount of offseason turnover, which offers opportunities for guys Heupel’s staff recruited. But, is this new-look group better or just different? We’re inclined to say “wait and see,” because there’s cause for doubt when so many new pieces are assembled in one offseason. That said, a healthy pass rush might hide deficiencies.
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Is the offense ‘back,’ because of a wide receiver upgrade?
Maybe, and Tulane transfer wide receiver Chris Brazell looks like the real deal. This is a solid group of receivers. Iamaleava offers the biggest reason to believe Tennessee’s offense could be closer to its 2022 production than a repeat of 2023.
Are the offensive line questions resolved at left tackle, left guard and backup center?
One question is answered. LSU transfer Lance Heard will hold it down at left tackle. Those other O-line questions require further evaluation.
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Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s SEC Columnist and a published author. Adam Sparks covers the Vols with award-winning coverage for the News Sentinel. You can subscribe to read all their coverage, or check out the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Also check out the “SEC Football Unfiltered” podcast.