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Will Marquez North have a breakout game in Week 2 after quiet opener?
By Jason Hall
Published:
Four catches, 38 yards.
Those aren’t quite the numbers we expected from Marquez North this season, but that’s how the preseason coaches All-SEC nominee spent his first week. Granted, none of Tennessee’s wideouts truly had great individual numbers, instead combining for an impressive 273 yards, three touchdowns and 28 receptions.
Anyone watching the game could see that Butch Jones was trying to weigh all of his skill positions options while holding a comfortable lead. As the Vols cruised to a 38-7 victory, the offense saw several player rotations and shared attempts. Only quarterback Justin Worley truly had impressive individual numbers, spreading the ball to eleven different receivers in the process.
For Tennessee fans, its reassuring to see the team not only win, but also work as an unselfish cohesive unit. However, North’s numbers will likely see an increase against tougher competition. While Sunday may have worked as an open audition for players with lower expectations to gain playing time, the bulk of Tennessee’s SEC schedule will be a different story.
When the Vols find themselves facing stronger pass coverages, North’s involvement in the offense will see a drastic increase from Week 1. You can afford to play a rotation of eleven wideouts against an inexperienced Utah State secondary, but not against the premiere defenses of the SEC.
Arkansas State boasts an impressive group of defensive backs, including Thorpe Award preseason watch list nominees Sterling Young and Rocky Hayes, as well as the coaching of former Tennessee assistant Trooper Taylor. If this group gives Tennessee’s passing attack a more difficult matchup than Utah State, expect the focus to revolve around North. Also, now that Jones and his staff have seen glimpses from all players, the focus may be shifted toward getting their starters more touches.
Bottom line, Marquez North will be fine and remain the focal point of Tennessee’s offense as the season moves forward.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
