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5 Tennessee Vols football seniors to watch in 2017

Mike Strange
Knoxville

As Tennessee begins preparations for the 2017 football season, here are five seniors whose contributions could be pivotal to the Vols' success:

Coleman Thomas: Thomas has had his ups and downs on the offensive line over three seasons. Most of the downs were related to inexperience (starting as a true freshman in 2014) or injuries (2016). When healthy, Thomas has been a versatile and athletic option. His 26 starts have been divided between center and tackle. The unit is deeper this year and there are other alternatives if Thomas isn’t on top of his game. If he is, though, it’s a good thing. Offensive line is a position where experience and physical development matter. This should be the best version of Thomas the Vols have seen yet.

Tennessee offensive lineman Coleman Thomas (55) in practice on Tuesday, October 25, 2016.

Aaron Medley:  Medley has been Tennessee’s kicker for three years, ever since he arrived on campus. He’s been good, but with limitations. His extra-points are automatic (well, 99.4 percent), his kickoffs adequate. From 40 yards in, Medley has consistently delivered on field goals. But from beyond 40, it’s a risk. His career long is 47. The Vols, in 2017, might have to lean on their field-goal man more than they have the past couple of years. If Medley could tighten up his long game, it could make the difference in a game or two.

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Tennessee placekicker Aaron Medley (25) kicks for a field goal against Appalachian State during the first half at Neyland Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016. (MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL)

Shaq Wiggins: The Vols need help big-time at cornerback and a veteran falls in their lap via the grad-transfer route. Wiggins was talented enough to get a few starts at Georgia as a freshman in 2013 and had a very good year at Louisville in 2015. Last year at Louisville wasn't what he wanted and injuries played a role. There’s enough evidence to suggest he can help Tennessee to some degree. If not, it didn’t cost UT anything to give him a shot.

Former Louisville cornerback Shaq Wiggins

Justin Martin:  Another potential answer at cornerback. Martin, who came in 2015 as an acclaimed junior-college transfer, has started here and there the past two seasons but never nailed down a job. He’s got length and can be physical. Consistency has been his stumbling block. Maybe a light bulb came on because the coaching staff had only positive things to say in the spring. Martin promises UT fans will see the best of him in his final go-round.

Tennessee defensive backs coach Charlton Warren, right, coaches player Justin Martin (8) during practice on Thursday, April 6, 2017.

Kendal Vickers: Vickers has started the past 25 games at defensive tackle. While more highly acclaimed teammates have been on and off the injury list, Vickers plugs away. He redshirted as a freshman in 2013 for exactly this purpose, to maximize his potential as a full-grown, fifth-year senior in the trenches. With questions remaining about the health of some of his colleagues, it's good to know Vickers will be part of the rotation.

Tennessee's Kendall Vickers (39)during Tennessee Volunteers spring practice at Anderson Training Facility in Knoxville, Tennessee on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.

Next: It's Time: Five juniors to watch in 2017.