Hail To The Gridiron

SPORTS
FOOTBALL
VOLUNTEERS TO WATCH
BY CLAY WATKINS
JOSH HEUPEL (HEAD COACH) - In his second year in charge,
Heupel has completely restored and revamped a program that has
dealt with its fair share of controversy and issues over the past two
decades. His no huddle, quick-tempo offense is reminiscent of Oregon’s
offense under Chip Kelly years ago. Heupel has already proven he
is capable of winning big-time games at home. Tennessee’s most
competitive game was on the road against Pitt. Heupel would solidify
UT’s return to glory with a road victory over the No.1 ranked Dawgs.
JOSH HEUPEL
HEAD COACH
PHOTO BY: TENNESSEE ATHLETICS
HENDON HOOKER (QB #5) - Hooker has taken the SEC by storm
this year and most people view him as the Heisman favorite. The senior
has thrown for 2,338 yards, 21 touchdowns, and just one interception.
Hooker also poses a threat on the ground as he has rushed the ball
73 times for 338 yards and four touchdowns. Hooker throws one of
the best deep balls in the country and looks to stretch the field on
opposing teams playing man coverage. Expect Hooker to utilize his
versatility to try and keep this potent Bulldog defense guessing.
JALIN HYATT (WR #11) - Hyatt is one of the fastest players in the
nation and has racked up the most yards and touchdowns in the SEC.
Hyatt has already reeled in 45 catches for just shy of 1000 yards. Along
with that, he has a remarkable 14 touchdown catches. The speedster
is averaging just over 20 yards a reception and will be a critical factor
in Tennessee’s ability to throw the ball deep.
HENDON HOOKER
QUARTERBACK
PHOTO BY: TENNESSEE ATHLETICS
TREVON FLOWERS
DEFENSIVE BACK
PHOTO BY: ALABAMA ATHLETICS
JABARI SMALL (RB #2) - Small has 110 rushes on the year
for 475 yards and eight touchdowns. The junior from Memphis,
Tennessee is only 5-11, but is 215 pounds, making him a very physical
rusher who doesn’t fear contact. Although the passing game gets
the majority of attention in this Tennessee offense, Small does a
tremendous job keeping defenses honest which allows Tennessee to
take those deep shots that can blow a game wide open.
TREVON FLOWERS (DB #1) - Flowers is the statistical leader
on the Vol’s defense. The fifth-year senior from Atlanta has amassed
46 tackles this season, which leads the team. He is also tied for the
team lead in interceptions with two. Flowers is stronger than his size
may suggest and is not afraid to put his pads in the middle of the
action. Flowers has been a vital part of this Tennessee secondary in
previous years and if the Vols expect to have success on that side of
the football then it will start with his play in the secondary.
AARON BEASLEY (LB #24) - Beasley is second on the team
in tackles with 44 on the season, just a few shy of Trevon Flowers’
total. The senior from Franklin, Georgia will be critical in Tennessee’s
defensive success against the Dawgs. Tennessee’s defense and
especially the linebacking core was a question coming into the
season, but players like Beasley have provided stability and
production for the defense.
BY JEFF DANTZLER
The Volunteers have produced a pair of Heisman
Trophy runners-up in their football history, Bobby
Majors in 1956 (Paul Hornung) and Peyton Manning in
1997 (Charles Woodson).
One of the most dominating players in Southeastern
Conference and NFL history, defensive lineman Doug
Atkins has his No. 91 retired at Tennessee and played
in eight Pro Bowls.
One of the best teams in Tennessee history, the
Volunteers of 1989 shared the SEC title with Alabama
and Auburn, while posting an 11-1 record and beating
Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl.
BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 18 ISSUE ELEVEN • TENNESSEE