Position Previews: Special Teams

By Tucker Harlin

The third and final phase of the game is an element that’s been taken for granted in Josh Heupel’s time in Knoxville.

Kicking in particular is the area that fans tend to ignore if it’s going well. Heupel had transfers in Chase McGrath and Charles Campbell that got the job done for the Vols in his first three years.

Josh Turbyville is the projected starter going into the season. Turbyville was the kickoff man last year, but he will still have to battle J.T. Carver and Max Gilbert for field goal kicking privileges.

For the most part, the punting was the best it had looked under Heupel in 2023. Paxton Brooks didn’t exactly get quality reps in 2021 and 2022, but its hard to when the offense is as efficient as it was that season.

Jackson Ross dealt with some early struggles last season but he could flip a field if needed. As an added bonus, Ross can punt with both feet.

Long snapper Matthew Salansky is back for his sixth season with the Vols. He is entering his fourth season as the starter.

Tennessee has a sneaky good history with kick and punt returners.

From Willie Gault, to Eric and Evan Berry, to Cordarrelle Patterson, and even more recently with Velus Jones Jr and Dee Williams.

Freshman Boo Carter is hoping to join that strong line of returners. His abilities at the position are part of what drew the staff to recruit him from Bradley Central.

Aside from possibly kicking, there won’t be many weak spots among the specialists in 2024.