Tennessee Football: Picking 3 MVPs for the Vols in 2023

Each time a new college football season starts there is always a group of players expected to contribute in a big way to their team’s success. However, once the season gets underway players with little preseason hype normally make impacts and introduce themselves in a big way. For Tennessee last year Jalin Hyatt was the prime example. Hyatt who only had 4 touchdowns in his first two years as a vol exploded onto the scene reeling in 15 touchdowns and winning the Biletnikoff Award as the best receiver in the nation. Will Tennessee have any Jalin Hyatt like breakouts this year? Here are my three guesses for the players that might have an unexpected impact.

Arion Carter – LB

The linebacker room has the potential to be the most improved unit on the team from last year and Carter could be a major reason why. The elite in-state true freshman chose the Vols over many elite programs including Alabama, Ohio State, and LSU. Carter has lived up to the hype so far as he has been impressing in fall camp. Defensive Coordinator Tim Banks even gave Carter a vote of confidence recently complimenting his improvement since the spring and not shying away from the freshman getting substantial playing time. While growing pains are inevitable for a true freshman in the SEC Carter could be a key contributor to the defense come season’s end.

Cameron Seldon – RB/WR

The Orange and White game this past spring was uneventful for the most part. However, Seldon showed as much playmaking ability as anyone who took the field that day. Seldon looks like a player cut from the same cloth as a Deebo Samuel that can do damage on the ground or lined up in the slot. The versality factor alone might earn Seldon snaps in a crowded running back room with 4 capable options. Assuming the trust is there from the coaching staff Seldon could be the gadget man on offense taking jet sweeps or quick screens for big gains.

Warren Burrell – DB

Burrell was thrown into the fire as a freshman in 2019 having to start in his very first collegiate game due to injury issues in the secondary. Burrell has had his struggles as a vol battling injury and sometimes inconsistent play. Most of the preseason talk overlooks Burrell as a contributor in the secondary in favor of younger talent or transfers, but I see it another way. Burrell has always had the talent to be a lockdown corner and I think this is the year it happens for him. Go ahead and make the T-Shirts for Burrell Island now.