Tennessee football: 5 breakout players to watch in 2020

Wide receiver Josh Palmer has big shoes to fill as supposedly the No. 1 receiver on the Volunteers roster. While he will get some help from guys like Ramel Keyton, Palmer needs to emerge as the Vols’ bona fide No. 1 now that Marquez Callaway and Jauan Jennings play in the NFL. It’s imperative Palmer and quarterback Jarrett Guarantano get on the same page immediately.

In three seasons with the Vols, Palmer has played in 32 games. He has caught 66 balls for 1,039 yards, but only three trips to pay dirt. He also has eight rush attempts for 37 yards and an additional touchdown in his Tennessee career. Look for Palmer to approach 50 catches and closer to 750 yards in his senior season. Hopefully, this will lead to more touchdowns as a senior.

Tennessee may have the balance on offense they Vols have been looking for. They have a seasoned starting quarterback and a coaching staff firmly entrenched in year three. There are no excuses for Tennessee to be pedestrian on that side of the ball. This is the year where they have to put it all together and show they can go toe-to-toe with the big boys in SEC play.

Palmer may not be as talented as Callaway or Jennings, but he will be benefiting tremendously from an increases target share. The Vols will have to throw the ball to someone and that guy might very well be Palmer. Look for Palmer to make a big play in a big spot to help Tennessee win a game they probably shouldn’t have in 2020.