Vols football: QBs, injuries, depth chart will be hot topics for coach Butch Jones
Dan Fleser
Butch Jones has plenty to talk about Wednesday when he holds a press conference to preview the first game of the 2017 season. But how much will Tennessee's football coach really say?
The No. 24 Vols have yet to name a starting quarterback for Monday’s opener against Georgia Tech in Atlanta (TV: ESPN, 8 p.m.). And Jones has said there’s no timetable for an announcement.
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The injury report and the first depth chart might answer questions or leave them lingering.
Regardless, the following three subjects will be popular topics:
Who’s the starting quarterback?
Offensive coordinator Larry Scott essentially said last week that a position plan was being finalized for Quinten Dormady and Jarrett Guarantano, saying the purpose of the remaining practices was “to make sure we’re headed down the right path.”
Jones went further Sunday night when appearing on Knoxville radio station WNML’s show “The Nation.”
“We have a pretty good idea, but I want them to still continue to compete and work to get better each and every day,” he said.
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Jones said he was willing to extend the competition almost to kickoff on Monday if necessary.
“If it means competing in pregame warmups,” he said, “we’ll compete in pregame warmups.”
How's Kirkland doing?
Darrin Kirkland Jr.’s status will be broached. UT spokesperson Zach Stipe said Sunday night that the junior linebacker was being evaluated for an injury but didn't specify its nature. A GoVols247 report, citing multiple sources, said Kirkland suffered a knee injury during Friday’s practice.
Kirkland's status was limited to start preseason practice. But within two weeks, he had progressed to the point of "where we were expecting him to be," UT defensive coordinator Bob Shoop said on Aug. 11.
During his appearance on “The Nation,” Jones mentioned the possibility of Josh Smith being available for Monday’s game.
The senior wide receiver’s prognosis has improved steadily since Jones said on Aug. 21 that Smith had suffered a collarbone injury. Three days later, Jones said Smith had a sprained shoulder, which he termed “very, very positive (news).”
First depth chart
Along with the quarterbacks, competition has been emphasized throughout the lineup.
Nagging injuries throughout the preseason have impacted the offensive line’s continuity and might be reflected by the depth chart.
For example, where will Jashon Robertson line up? He’s worked a lot at center during the preseason.
Could freshman offensive lineman Trey Smith start? “He’s getting closer,” said Scott, when asked about the possibility.
The position competition has extended as far as placekicker, where three-year starter Aaron Medley has contended with freshman Brent Cimaglia.
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