Tennessee finished third in offensive yards per game in the SEC last season at 447 YPG, trailing only Arkansas (459.2 YPG) and Ole Miss (526.6 YPG).
But while Tennessee’s offense found ways to move the ball, specifically through a dynamic run game and a historic running back, the Vols still left big plays on the field in the passing game. Whether it was miscommunication about the play, an errant throw from the quarterback, or a dropped pass, Tennessee had a chance at more explosive plays than the came down with.
That’s the basics of what Joey Halzle said while assessing the Vols’ offense as he heads into his third year as the Tennessee offensive coordinator. While speaking with the media after spring practice on Wednesday, Halzle gave an honest assessment of where his offense can improve on previous struggles.
“The main thing we took away was we left a lot out there on the field,” Halzle said about Tennessee’s self-scouting on the 2024 season. “We had a lot of opportunities to go make big plays and for whatever reason – from us on the sideline to the guys on the field – that didn’t fall that way. That’s a big part of what we’ve talked about is hitting those big crossing rounds at a high clip.”
Halzle’s answer seemed every bit genuine in his assessment, as it was the second time that he spoke about explosive plays in Wednesday’s press conference. While speaking about quarterback Nico Iamaleava taking the next step earlier in the press conference, Halzle’s response sounded similar to his answer on self-scouting.
“I think for all of us as an offense, it is hitting the big plays when they present themselves,” Halzle said. “It’s hard in this league to get big plays and when they present themselves you gotta make ’em. You’re never gonna bat a thousand, you’re not gonna hit a hundred percent, but we gotta hit those at a higher clip this year. From O-Line to quarterback to wide out to (running) back to tight end. We’ve all gotta step up and we gotta make those plays.”
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Every offense in college football is looking for explosive plays, but Tennessee’s offense particularly thrives with big chunks due to the up-tempo nature that it runs. Finding ways to capitalize on those chunks with its current group is going to be the task of Tennessee’s offense this offseason.
Tennessee lost Dont’e Thornton to graduation and starter Squirrel White to the transfer portal this past offseason, two players who were usually on the receiving end of most of the Vols’ recent explosive passing plays. The Vols will look to returning starter Chris Brazzell for big plays and rising second-year wide receiver Mike Matthews to insert himself into that role next season, but aside from that, we’ll see who emerges as a potential explosive target for Iamaleava.
Longest Play (Individual) From 2024 Season:
- RB Dylan Sampson*: 56
- RB DeSean Bishop: 53
- WR Dont’e Thornton*: 86
- WR Chris Brazzell: 53
- WR Squirrel White*: 45
- WR Bru McCoy*: 42
* Indicates will NOT be on the 2025 team
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Tennessee football spring camp coverage.
