Tennessee releases first depth chart of 2024

Some quick takeaways.

Tennessee has released their initial depth chart for the 2024 season, and it tells us….. almost nothing, of course. Josh Heupel (and plenty of other coaches) are notorious for using the -OR- designation, and that’s no different here.

Squinting through the -OR-s, here are a few things that stood out. Most things were known or assumed, but now we officially have them on paper.

• JUCO transfer Larry Johnson appears to be the the fourth tackle, slotting in behind swingman Dayne Davis.
• William Satterwhite and Vysen Lang are your backup centers and more importantly training to take over for Cooper Mays next season.
• They list six potential starters at receiver, as expected. We’ll see how much the staff actually rotates in game.
• Walk-on Gaston Moore is your backup over freshman Jake Merklinger.
• Tennessee lists FIVE starters at running back. But we know it’s going to be Dylan Sampson getting the most important work. It’s going to be interesting to see how much they put on his plate, and who becomes the second and third options.
• Jalen McMurray and Jordan Matthews have separated themselves into the CB3/CB4 roles.
• The Christian Harrison vs. Boo Carter battle rages on at STAR.
• No answers provided at safety, as expected. The secondary groupings will be interesting to follow on Saturday.
• Cam Seldon and DeSean Bishop are options at kick returner.
• Squirrel White, Boo Carter or Jermod McCoy will handle punt return duties. Now with a deeper receiver room, it would make sense to stick White back there to fill the shoes of the electric Dee Williams.

We’ll get a little more clarity on Saturday, as Tennessee opens with Chattanooga (12:45 p.m ET).