Tennessee Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for

Tennessee Football’s Spring Game is just around the corner. Here are the five things their fans should keep an eye on at the Orange and White game.

As far as college fanbases go, it’s hard to find one more passionate than Tennessee fans. High expectations always surround the team. That was especially true last season when it was Josh Dobbs’ final year, and many felt it was the best team he’s ever had. However, injuries and the poor defensive play resulted in another 9-4 season, and they ran out of miracles once they played Alabama.

Even though there’s lots of talent leaving Knoxville en masse, people still expect the Vols to do well. After all, Butch Jones enters this season on the hot seat, and he’ll want to do everything in his power to keep his job.

While people should never put too much stock in Spring Games, Tennessee’s could be a good indicator of what to expect from the team this year.

5. Bounce back campaign for Kahlil McKenzie?

Kahlil McKenzie’s college career has typified the Vols’ recent struggles. Much was expected of him, and the team, when he signed as the nation’s top overall recruit in 2015. But in his freshman season, he finished with 14 tackles and a sack in 13 games. In his sophomore year, he made 12 tackles before succumbing to injury seven games in.

He hasn’t done enough throughout his two years on campus to convince scouts that he’s a talented draft prospect. And he’s been a big reason this team has underachieved on defense.

McKenzie is tired of the noise surrounding him, and he wants to end his career on a high note. Heading into his junior year, this might be McKenzie’s last chance to prove to everyone why he was so highly-touted coming out of high school. If he can bounce back this season, and become an anchor on the Vols’ defense, he could find himself shooting up draft boards.