Certainly! Here’s a 2000-word breakdown of 5 returning players who need significant growth this spring to help propel Tennessee to success in the fall.
5 Returning Players Who Need Big Growth This Spring to Propel Tennessee Football This Fall
As the Tennessee Volunteers look to build upon the momentum of a successful 2023 season, their sights are firmly set on contending for an SEC title and a potential College Football Playoff berth in 2024. With a potent offense under head coach Josh Heupel, Tennessee has already established itself as a dangerous offensive force. However, the program’s continued success depends on significant player development, particularly from those who are returning to the squad. While the Vols boast a talented roster, there are key players who must take a step forward this spring to solidify Tennessee’s championship aspirations in the fall.
In this article, we’ll examine five returning players who need substantial growth during the spring to help Tennessee make a deep run in 2024.
1. Joe Milton III (Quarterback)
Why He Needs Growth:
Joe Milton III enters the spring as the presumed starting quarterback for Tennessee after Hendon Hooker’s departure to the NFL. Milton, with his powerful arm and impressive physical attributes, showed glimpses of his potential in relief duty last season, most notably in the Citrus Bowl against Iowa. However, consistency has been a lingering issue for Milton, especially with his decision-making and accuracy on shorter throws.
To elevate Tennessee’s offense to the next level, Milton needs to become a more refined and polished passer. While the Vols are known for their explosive, high-tempo offense, Milton’s deep ball accuracy and ability to make quick, smart decisions will be crucial in 2024. The spring will serve as a critical opportunity for Milton to build chemistry with his receivers, improve his pocket awareness, and work on timing with the offensive line and skill players.
Key Areas for Growth:
- Consistency in Passing: Milton must be more accurate on intermediate and short routes, where he has struggled in the past.
- Progression and Decision Making: In a fast-paced system like Heupel’s, Milton must be able to quickly read defenses and make decisive throws without hesitation.
- Leadership Development: As the leader of the offense, Milton must develop his leadership abilities and guide a relatively young group of receivers and offensive linemen.
Milton has the physical tools to succeed, but growth in these areas this spring will be essential for Tennessee to maintain its offensive potency.
2. Brew McCoy (Wide Receiver)
Why He Needs Growth:
Brew McCoy, a former five-star recruit who transferred from USC, emerged as one of Tennessee’s most important playmakers in 2023. McCoy’s big-play ability and physicality made him a favorite target for Hendon Hooker, especially in high-pressure situations. However, McCoy’s consistency and route-running were at times inconsistent, and he still showed some areas where he could improve his game.
To elevate Tennessee’s passing attack, McCoy must grow as both a route runner and a more polished receiver. His physicality and athleticism give him an edge in 50-50 ball situations, but he’ll need to improve his release off the line of scrimmage and develop a stronger understanding of Tennessee’s offensive schemes. With Jalin Hyatt leaving for the NFL, McCoy is now expected to be the Vols’ top target. If he can take the next step this spring, McCoy has the potential to put up massive numbers and be one of the best receivers in the SEC.
Key Areas for Growth:
- Route Running and Separation: McCoy’s size and speed make him a potential mismatch, but he’ll need to improve his technical skills to consistently separate from defenders at the next level.
- Improving Hands and Consistency: There were times when McCoy let passes slip through his fingers, especially in high-stakes situations. Developing a more consistent catching ability is crucial.
- Offensive Chemistry: Building rapport with Joe Milton will be essential. As the top target, McCoy needs to understand the timing and nuances of the passing game with his quarterback.
If McCoy can show growth in these areas, he’ll be in position to lead Tennessee’s receiving corps and become one of the SEC’s top wideouts.
3. Juwan Mitchell (Linebacker)
Why He Needs Growth:
Juwan Mitchell was expected to be a key contributor to Tennessee’s defense in 2023, but his role was somewhat limited due to injuries and inconsistent play. With Tennessee’s defense needing to improve in several areas to support a potent offense, Mitchell must step up as a leader in the linebacker room. In 2024, he is projected to be a starting linebacker and must contribute at a high level to help solidify the Vols’ defensive front seven.
Mitchell has the talent and experience to make a significant impact, but he must improve his recognition of offensive schemes, his ability to cover in space, and his overall consistency in tackling. His leadership skills will also be critical in helping mentor younger players and ensuring the linebacker unit plays at a high level throughout the season.
Key Areas for Growth:
- Football IQ and Recognition: Mitchell must become more adept at reading plays and reacting quickly to the ball, which will help him avoid being caught out of position.
- Coverage Skills: As the game evolves, the ability to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game is vital. Mitchell needs to improve his ability to stay in coverage against quicker and more dynamic players.
- Tackling Consistency: Tackling has been an issue at times for Tennessee’s defense, and Mitchell’s ability to make sound, fundamental tackles will be crucial to the defense’s success.
With leadership and growth in these areas, Mitchell has the chance to become one of Tennessee’s top defensive players and anchor the linebacker unit in 2024.
4. Tyler Baron (Defensive Line)
Why He Needs Growth:
Tyler Baron has shown flashes of being a disruptive force on the defensive line, but he has not yet reached his full potential. In 2023, Baron had some strong performances but was inconsistent at times, especially when it came to his pass-rush efficiency and run defense. As Tennessee looks to improve defensively, Baron’s ability to be a more consistent and dynamic pass rusher will be crucial for the Vols in 2024.
The defensive line will be one of the key areas of focus this spring, and Baron must emerge as a leader and more effective playmaker. With a defense that has been prone to giving up big plays, having a defensive lineman who can consistently create pressure on the quarterback will go a long way toward improving Tennessee’s defensive performance.
Key Areas for Growth:
- Pass-Rush Consistency: Baron must develop a more refined pass-rush technique, focusing on hand placement, footwork, and timing to create more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
- Run Defense: Baron needs to become a more stout presence against the run, using his size and strength to plug gaps and shed blockers more effectively.
- Disruptive Playmaking: Baron should focus on becoming a true difference-maker in the trenches by disrupting plays, whether through sacks, tackles for loss, or forcing turnovers.
Baron has the tools to be a game-changing defensive lineman. If he can refine his game this spring, he could become one of the top defensive players in the SEC.
5. Kamal Hadden (Cornerback)
Why He Needs Growth:
Kamal Hadden, a veteran cornerback, will play a pivotal role in Tennessee’s secondary in 2024. The Vols’ defense struggled at times with consistency in pass coverage last season, and Hadden’s growth this spring is essential to shoring up that unit. While Hadden has shown moments of brilliance in coverage, he also has lapses that can result in big plays.
For Tennessee to compete at the highest level in the SEC, Hadden must develop into a lockdown corner who can handle the league’s top wide receivers. His physicality, speed, and length give him a significant advantage, but he needs to become more consistent in his technique and ability to read quarterbacks. A strong spring will set the stage for him to lead the secondary in 2024 and be a reliable force on the defensive side of the ball.
Key Areas for Growth:
- Consistency in Coverage: Hadden needs to improve his ability to stay with receivers in all types of coverage, including man-to-man and zone schemes.
- Ball Skills: Creating turnovers and making key interceptions will be crucial for Hadden and the Vols’ defense. Improving his ability to read the quarterback and track the ball will help him make more plays on the ball.
- Confidence and Leadership: Hadden must develop confidence in his ability to shut down top receivers and take on a leadership role in Tennessee’s secondary.
With growth in these areas, Hadden could become one of the SEC’s premier cornerbacks and help solidify Tennessee’s defense as a whole.
