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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Week 2 of fall camp is crucial for the Vols.
Two-a-days started Wednesday, and it’s crucial in the sense of addressing a few remaining questions about the depth chart.
The Vols haven’t had to work around any summer class scheduling conflicts. The second week has been a pure focus on football and two-a-day practices before fall semester classes begin Aug. 17.
With two-a-day practices here, separation of individuals take place.
Here are some of the key areas:
Left tackle: Who emerges in the battle for the most important position on the offensive line?
Will redshirt freshman Drew Richmond take strides in growing into the left tackle position – or will redshirt junior Brett Kendrick, who has started 7 times in 20 appearances? Will guys like Austin Sanders play a role in competing for a tackle position, or even Chance Hall?
Cornerbacks: Senior Cam Sutton is a lock for one of the starting cornerback spots. But who is alongside him?
In Week 1, junior Emmanuel Moseley intercepted team captain Josh Dobbs on a pass intended for Preston Williams in 11-on-11 competition. Junior Justin Martin is competing with Moseley at the other cornerback starting position.
Center: This position seemed to be a lock with junior Coleman Thomas and his 18 starts in 24 games returning.
But Butch Jones addressed having the depth of sophomore Chance Hall and junior Dylan Wiesman pushing Thomas.
“That’s the great thing right now is you see a little bit where we’re at in our program is if somebody is out, somebody steps up and it’s an opportunity for someone else,” Jones said.
“Right now it makes us better. You look at all the great programs that have consistency and depth across the board, you have to bring it every day and especially with our offensive line blocking some of our defensive linemen better be game read mentally or you’ll be exposed.”
Jones could be using a tactic to make Thomas better and continue to compete and earn the position.
Quarterback: There’s zero question who the starter is — and Joshua Dobbs has looked terrific.
But how will the depth chart play out?
Coaches praised true freshman Jarrett Guarantano, who is trying to push redshirt freshman Sheriron Jones and sophomore Quinten Dormady and move up the depth chart.
Dormady is trying to increase the gap and remain Dobbs’ backup. How Guarantano continues to progress after a promising opening week will be a continuing storyline all camp.
Dan Harralson covers Tennessee football for SaturdayDownSouth.com. Follow Dan on Twitter @danharralson.
