Vols QB battle buzz

by golfballs03 on Feb 8, 2010 5:11 PM EST

Chris Low opines on who will likely start at QB next year:

Had the previous staff stayed, I would have said the freshman, Tyler Bray. But I think with this staff, it will be a little more open. Nick Stephens has far more experience. My bet is that he starts the first game but that Bray also plays some next season. Bray needs to get bigger and stronger.

ESPN Rumor Central goes on to say that the supporting cast may have a bigger impact on who starts:

New coach Derek Dooley has a lot to prove, and there will be a lot of pressure to win quickly. The Vols lose senior RB Montario Hardesty and senior QB Jonathan Crompton, but their top three receivers are seniors next year and highly touted RBs Bryce Brown and David Oku are back as well. The strong supporting cast may mean Bray will get the chance to start earlier rather than later, unless somehow Stephens leads this team to a string of wins to start the year.

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I think it's interesting that Low thinks Bray could actually see legitimate playing time next year

I think the battle will come down to Stephens and Simms, and Bray could eventually get tagged with a redshirt – especially considering how skinny he is now.

by golfballs03 on Feb 8, 2010 5:14 PM EST reply actions

Redshirt

I see either Nash Nance or Tyler Bray redshirting this year. If it is Nance that redshirts, I expect DaRick Rogers to redshirt as well since we are loaded at WR.
As far as a starting QB this year I see Nick Stephens, Matt Simms and Tyler Bray fighting it out. If Bray can put on some weight by fall, I see him being a legitamate starter.

by voodoovol on Feb 8, 2010 9:03 PM EST reply actions

oh yeah

i just don’t see him putting on that much weight. But I really can’t imagine Rogers red shirting. He is the best of all the receivers coming in. Heck, even our 2nd best, Hunter, could red shirt, because he’s really skinny too.

by golfballs03 on Feb 8, 2010 11:07 PM EST up reply actions

Nash Nance

I still say this kid will be star. He will set records at UT. Watch and see! And Rogers will set receiving records!

by voodoovol on Feb 8, 2010 9:06 PM EST reply actions

From what I’ve been hearing, Bray has been on a nutrition program that has him taking in 5,000 calories a day. Apparently he’s already up to 205. If this kid gets the weight up, it sure will be an interesting spring/summer!

I’m the player to be named later.

by Crash Davis on Feb 9, 2010 8:28 AM EST reply actions

Stupid question

Anybody know if the team is actually doing off season workouts right now? I was reading a caption about our old Strength and Conditioning coach who is now at USC and they are in their fourth week of workouts.

by Rocky Top on Feb 19, 2010 6:53 AM EST reply actions