Mychal Rivera is my unsung hero on the offensive side of the
ball. Rivera has gotten lost in the shuffle as fans clamor over the
trio of Justin Hunter, Da’Rick Rogers, and Cordarrelle Patterson. What
seems to be forgotten is the fact that Rivera was the second leading
receiver last year with 29 receptions and 344 yards. Those numbers
should have been even higher. Rivera admits to getting frustrated last
year as he was underutilized in the short to intermediate passing game.
One of the points of emphasis in the spring was ensuring that the tigt
ends and backs no longer get overlooked as receiving threats. That
should lead to bigger numbers for a tight end who has reshaped his body
this offseason, currently resembling a big wideout more than the gifted
all-around tigt end that he is. I’m going to predict 40-45 receptions
for 500-600 yards and 4-6 touchdowns from the gifted Californian.
Prentiss Waggner might not seem like an overlooked talent, but he has gotten as much flak and disrespect as any Vol since Jon Crompton, which is mind-boggling. Mention Waggner and you hear terms like “slow”, “journeyman”, and “boarderline”. Strange considering he made All-American lists just two years ago. Of course, the group who did perhaps the greatest disservice to Prentiss was the last group of defensive coaches, who continually bounced him between safety and corner. Waggner is a natural corner and a proven playmaker, and could overshadow a less natural corner like Tyrann Mathieu, who plays like an out-of-position free safety. Johnthan Banks and Dee Millner may be the only two SEC corners who have better cover skills. I expect Waggner to account for 40-45 tackles, 2-4 tackles for loss, 4-6 interceptions, and 10-12 passes defended on his way to all-conference honors.
It’s hard to believe how little faith people have in Devrin Young after he performed exceptionally last season. He should be co-returner on kickoffs with Cordarrelle Patterson and he is the most likely option to handle punt returns this year. Add on his expanded role in the offense and this is a player who could excell this season. He had one of the best years returning kicks in Tennessee history, and that came in spite of missing the first few games. Many fans are enamored with the numbers Patterson put up returning kickoffs, but given his probable role as the number three receiver, he may not see the majority of kickoffs in order to keep him fresh.
Prentiss Waggner might not seem like an overlooked talent, but he has gotten as much flak and disrespect as any Vol since Jon Crompton, which is mind-boggling. Mention Waggner and you hear terms like “slow”, “journeyman”, and “boarderline”. Strange considering he made All-American lists just two years ago. Of course, the group who did perhaps the greatest disservice to Prentiss was the last group of defensive coaches, who continually bounced him between safety and corner. Waggner is a natural corner and a proven playmaker, and could overshadow a less natural corner like Tyrann Mathieu, who plays like an out-of-position free safety. Johnthan Banks and Dee Millner may be the only two SEC corners who have better cover skills. I expect Waggner to account for 40-45 tackles, 2-4 tackles for loss, 4-6 interceptions, and 10-12 passes defended on his way to all-conference honors.
It’s hard to believe how little faith people have in Devrin Young after he performed exceptionally last season. He should be co-returner on kickoffs with Cordarrelle Patterson and he is the most likely option to handle punt returns this year. Add on his expanded role in the offense and this is a player who could excell this season. He had one of the best years returning kicks in Tennessee history, and that came in spite of missing the first few games. Many fans are enamored with the numbers Patterson put up returning kickoffs, but given his probable role as the number three receiver, he may not see the majority of kickoffs in order to keep him fresh.
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