Tennessee Football Roster 2017

The Tennessee Volunteers football program, a powerhouse in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), saw significant changes in its roster in the 2017 season. Under the leadership of head coach Butch Jones, the team welcomed a mix of experienced players and promising freshmen, shaping a squad eager to compete at the highest level.

Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) on X
Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) on X

As the Volunteers geared up for the 2017 campaign, fans and analysts alike were keen to see how the new faces would integrate with the returning talent. The season promised excitement, with the team aiming to build on the progress made in previous years and challenge for a SEC East title.

an orange and gray poster with the numbers on it's sidelines, including football players
an orange and gray poster with the numbers on it's sidelines, including football players

Offensive Roster

The Tennessee offense in 2017 was spearheaded by a dynamic duo at quarterback. Senior Quinten Dormady and redshirt junior Jarrett Guarantano vied for the starting position, offering a mix of experience and youth under center.

Chris brazzell Tennessee football
Chris brazzell Tennessee football

The receiving corps was bolstered by the return of veteran Jauan Jennings and the emergence of sophomore Marquez Callaway. They were joined by a talented group of freshmen, including Josh Palmer and Brandon Johnson, who brought speed and athleticism to the position.

Running Backs

a football player in an orange and white uniform holding a football on a black background
a football player in an orange and white uniform holding a football on a black background

At running back, the Volunteers relied on a committee approach. Junior John Kelly led the way, showcasing his powerful running style and impressive elusiveness. He was supported by sophomores Ty Chandler and Carlin Fils-aime, who provided speed and versatility out of the backfield.

The group was further strengthened by the addition of freshmen Tim Jordan and Jeremy Banks, who brought physicality and potential to the position. This depth at running back allowed the Tennessee offense to maintain balance and keep defenses guessing.

Offensive Line

the tennessee volunteers football schedule is shown
the tennessee volunteers football schedule is shown

The offensive line entered the 2017 season with a mix of experience and youth. Tackles Brett Kendrick and Drew Richmond anchored the line, providing valuable experience and stability. The interior of the line featured a blend of returning players and promising freshmen, including Ryan Johnson and Nathan Niehaus.

The line's performance was crucial to the success of the Tennessee offense. They were tasked with protecting the quarterbacks and creating holes for the running backs, helping to establish a potent ground game and giving the passing attack time to develop.

Defensive Roster

the football players are celebrating on the field
the football players are celebrating on the field

The Tennessee defense in 2017 was built around a talented and experienced defensive line. Senior defensive ends Derek Barnett and Corey Vereen led the way, providing a powerful pass-rushing presence and stout run defense. They were joined by a deep group of tackles, including Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle, who clogged running lanes and pressured quarterbacks.

The linebacker corps was led by senior Colton Jumper and junior Darrin Kirkland Jr. They brought experience, athleticism, and a physical presence to the position, helping to shore up the middle of the defense and make plays against the run and pass.

an advertisement for the university of tennessee football team
an advertisement for the university of tennessee football team
the football players are walking out onto the field for their team's final game
the football players are walking out onto the field for their team's final game
a football player is running with the ball in his hand and people are watching from the stands
a football player is running with the ball in his hand and people are watching from the stands
a man in an orange uniform holding a football on a field with people watching from the bleachers
a man in an orange uniform holding a football on a field with people watching from the bleachers
a football player with the words our time is now
a football player with the words our time is now
a football player is holding a ball in his hands and wearing an orange and black uniform
a football player is holding a ball in his hands and wearing an orange and black uniform
an orange and black football uniform with the words tennessee on it's chest is shown
an orange and black football uniform with the words tennessee on it's chest is shown
the tennessee volunteers college football schedule
the tennessee volunteers college football schedule
The 10 Most Underrated Vols on the 2017 Roster | Rocky Top Insider
The 10 Most Underrated Vols on the 2017 Roster | Rocky Top Insider
a football player is running with the ball in his hand and wearing an orange helmet
a football player is running with the ball in his hand and wearing an orange helmet
a football player running on the field during a game with fans in the background - stock image
a football player running on the field during a game with fans in the background - stock image
a football player with his arms in the air
a football player with his arms in the air
Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee
Tennessee
two football players are holding their hands up in the air while standing next to each other
two football players are holding their hands up in the air while standing next to each other
two football players are standing on the field wearing uniforms that have yellow and white checkers
two football players are standing on the field wearing uniforms that have yellow and white checkers
a football player walking onto the field with fans in the bleachers behind him
a football player walking onto the field with fans in the bleachers behind him
the tennessee football schedule is shown in black and yellow
the tennessee football schedule is shown in black and yellow
a football player running with the ball in his hand
a football player running with the ball in his hand

Secondary

The Tennessee secondary was a mix of experience and youth in 2017. Senior cornerbacks Emmanuel Moseley and Justin Martin provided valuable experience and leadership, while sophomores Baylen Buchanan and Marquill Osborne brought athleticism and potential to the position. The group was further bolstered by the addition of freshmen Alontae Taylor and Shawn Shamburger, who quickly made an impact.

The safety position was anchored by senior Micah Abernathy and junior Todd Kelly Jr. They brought experience, physicality, and playmaking ability to the defense, helping to shore up the backend and make crucial tackles in space.

Special Teams

The Tennessee special teams unit in 2017 was led by senior punter Trevor Daniel, who provided consistent and reliable punting throughout the season. The Volunteers also boasted a talented group of return specialists, with senior Evan Berry and junior Marquez Callaway both capable of breaking big plays in the return game.

Kicker Aaron Medley handled the placekicking duties, providing a steady and reliable presence on field goals and extra points. The special teams unit played a crucial role in the Volunteers' success, often providing the margin of victory in close games.

As the 2017 season unfolded, the Tennessee Volunteers football roster showcased a blend of experience, youth, and talent. The team's performance on the field reflected this balance, with the Volunteers competing at a high level in the SEC and earning a berth in the Music City Bowl. Looking ahead to future seasons, the Volunteers' roster promises to continue to grow and develop, with a core of talented young players poised to lead the team to even greater success.