Tennessee Evaluating Kicker Options

One overlooked aspect of every football program is its special teams. The Tennessee Volunteers are searching for the proper pieces in that area.

When you think of some of college football's greatest teams, both currently and online, a few things may come to mind. Offense, smash-mouth football, or an air raid attack, throwing deep balls galore. On defense, big hits, and crazy interceptions. But one thing most fans will not think much of is special teams. That is, until special teams decides a big game. No one thinks about it until there are seconds on the clock and you have a game-winning field goal try against Alabama, but at that moment, it will be all you can think about.

The Tennessee Volunteers have horses on their defense and offense, especially the latter. However, one key for head coach Josh Heupel and company is finding the heirs to two key special teamers. Both kicker Chase McGrath and punter Paxton Brooks have departed. This means that throughout spring camp and the summer, a few guys will have the chance to show off their legs. 

The group of possible replacements at punter includes projected started Kolby Morgan, a redshirt sophomore, and Jackson Ross and Josh Turbyville. At kicker, a few guys are close together. Ourlads.com does not have a projected starter at the placekicker spot. Still, the roster does list four placekickers: Turbeyville, who doubles as a punter and placekicker on the roster, as well as JT Carver, Charles Campbell, and freshman Max Gilbert.

Regarding Heupel's feelings, he likes the group and feels positive about the situation for the Vols. Heupel stated, "I like the group as a whole. They compete hard with each other. They're really positive and push each other. There is competition at the field goal kicking spot, and I look forward to seeing how that plays out in the back half of spring ball but also when we get into training camp."

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