5 burning Tennessee football questions as Vols approach spring practice
Tennessee football will begin spring practice on March 20, and of course a top storyline will be the quarterback competition between veteran Joe Milton and ballyhooed freshman Nico Iamaleava.
But that's not the only hot topic facing the Vols and perhaps isn't even the most important topic. Milton proved to be a viable heir to operate the offense during the Orange Bowl. More pressing concerns might surround Tennessee's defense.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks and John Adams consider some burning questions as the Vols approach spring practice, which will culminate in the spring game on April 15.
On the heels of an 11-win season, the Vols are a hot ticket. So much so, they're charging $5 admissions for the spring game. For a Lincoln, you can say you were there when it all began for Iamaleava.
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Toppmeyer's first burning question: Is there a legitimate obstacle to Joe Milton being Tennessee's starting quarterback? Can Milton wrap up the starting job in the spring? If so, how?
Sparks' response: I don't see a scenario where Joe Milton loses the starting job in spring practice. Could that happen in the season? Sure. Say, for instance, he has a bad game against Florida. There are in-season scenarios where Nico could become the guy. As for Milton wrapping up the starting job in the spring, the physical tools are already there. I don't know that they'll announce it by the end of spring, but if Joe shows continued progression in the offense like we saw at the end of last season, I think he'll sew up the starting job.
Adams' response: I agree with Adam. I don't think any of this will happen in spring, preseason or any of the first couple of games. But, during the season, if things don't go great with Milton at quarterback and Iamaleava is coming on strong, then there's the possibility of a change. Remember, the expectations for Tennessee's offense are extraordinarily high. When you have those standards, your quarterback is expected to be really, really good.
Toppmeyer's second burning question: Tennessee has been active in the transfer portal. They've added a handful of guys who should help them. This spring, which transfer are you most curious to monitor their development or learn if they can become a high-ceiling addition?
Sparks' response: Wide receiver Dont'e Thornton from Oregon should get a lot of reps at outside receiver. We'll see whether he looks the part of a starter. Offensive tackle John Campbell from Miami also is worth monitoring, as Tennessee must replace Darnell Wright at right tackle.
Adams' response: I'm not concerned about Tennessee's offense. When I think of transfers, I'm interested in defense. Linebacker Keenan Pili is from BYU, which usually boasts an aggressive, physical defense. He ought to bring that style of play to Tennessee, which Tennessee needs. Also, defensive back Gabe Jeudy-Lally, another BYU transfer, could address a position of need.
Toppmeyer's third burning question: Is there a level of Tennessee's defense that could emerge as particularly encouraging?
Sparks' response: I think the ceiling could be high for pass rushers, even after the loss of Byron Young and others. Monitor second-year players like Joshua Josephs, James Pierce and Tyre West.
Adams' response: Big plays are a problem for Tennessee's defense, so Tennessee must produce playmakers. I thought Aaron Beasley had a nice year last season. It needs playmakers like him, because it's not going to suffocate opposing offenses.
Toppmeyer's fourth burning question: The spring game is going to be the Milton vs. Nico show. That will be the narrative, anyway. For Nico, in particular, is there anything you could see in next month's spring game that would make you believe he needs to open as the starter?
Sparks' response: There's only two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster this spring. He'll get a lot of reps. He's going to end up getting reps with starters. If he plays well with the first-team unit while Milton struggles, then you could make the case.
Adams' response: Fans have a tendency to look toward the future, and I think they'll remember the 'wows' more than the 'uh-ohs.' They'll see the potential. He's obviously talented, and I think a lot of fans will come away from the game thinking, 'He's the guy.'
Toppmeyer's fifth burning question: John, how much of a bonus would the company have to pay you to cover the spring game, in person?
(As beat writer, Sparks is required to attend.)
Adams' response: $1,000.
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Blake Toppmeyer is an SEC Columnist for the USA TODAY Network. John Adams is the senior columnist for the Knoxville News Sentinel. You can subscribe to their podcast, SEC Football Unfiltered, or check out the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.