Guarantano Looks Poised to Lead Vols in 2019
Photo By Tennessee Athletics
Quarterbacks rarely have success without a reliable offensive line. This was proven to be an accurate theory last season, as Jarrett Guarantano was hit in the backfield just one second into the season. Last year’s line struggled mightily, and it was one of the worst in program history.
In 2018, Guarantano threw for 158.9 yards per game, completing 62% of his passes. He logged 1,907 yards through the air and threw a mere 3 interceptions on the year. His 3 picks tied for fewest in the nation last season. He ranked twelfth in the SEC with 12 touchdown passes in 2018.
Guarantano etched his name in the history books last year, by setting a new school record of 166 consecutive pass attempts without an interception. He has thrown just 5 interceptions in his 385 career pass attempts.
Jarrett was sacked 22 times last season. The offensive line struggled to hold up and could not give JG adequate time to find open receivers. His sack total ranked in the middle of the pack in terms of the SEC, at seventh, but this does not do justice to the amount of times Guarantano was hit after releasing the ball. He took a beating and it wore him down as the season progressed. There was not much he could do about the immense pressure he faced each week.
That should change this season. Pruitt and his staff, especially Brian Niedermeyer, recruited tirelessly to haul in the No. 11 recruiting class for 2019 (ESPN). Niedermeyer was named the 2019 National Recruiter of the Year in college football by 247Sports and ESPN.
With Niedermeyer, this year, and Tee Martin, in 2016, Tennessee has 2 of the past 4 National Recruiters of the Year on their coaching staff.
The stellar class is highlighted by 5-star offensive tackles, Wanya Morris and Darnell Wright. Guarantano should have more than enough time to throw the ball with these 2 monsters protecting him. The ESPN 300 listed Wright as the fifth-best player in this year’s class, as well as the No. 3 offensive tackle. They rated Morris as the ninth-best player in the class, and the No. 5 offensive tackle. Wright and Morris each stand at 6’6” and around 300 pounds.
Not only does Guarantano get to look forward to playing behind two of the best offensive tackles in the 2019 class, but he will also receive guidance from new offensive coordinator, Jim Chaney, who saw his previous tenure as the Vols’ OC come to an end in 2012. That year, Tennessee averaged 475.9 yards per game, the second-best mark in program history, and 36.9 points per game.
Chaney has proven himself as a complete offensive coordinator. Quarterback, Tyler Bray led the Vols in 2012, and finished the season with 3,612 yards and 34 touchdowns.
Chaney found his way to Georgia and served as the Bulldogs’ OC from 2016-18. In that span, his offense led the SEC in rushing in both 2017 and 2018.
He brings a knowledgable mind to the Tennessee offense, and understands how to coach elite passers and rushers. Tennessee’s offense should be exciting as long as Chaney is in Knoxville.
On Thursday, Guarantano responded to a video tweeted from the Tennessee Football account announcing that there were 100 days remaining until the Vols’ season-opener against Georgia State. He said, “Just got the chills... Why not us?”
This was not just false hope from Tennessee’s leader. He knows that this could be his breakout season. Hardly anyone is talking about the Vols this offseason. Many analysts have settled for, “If Tennessee can just get back to a bowl game, that would be a successful season.”
Guarantano is not going to settle for anything less than his best. He works harder than most quarterbacks around the nation and the work is beginning to pay off, as improvement can be seen in his accuracy this spring.
Jarrett has started in 18 games over the past 2 seasons, and things should be much different this year. Tennessee has more than just an improved offensive line. Although it is still full of youth, it contains two of the most coveted offensive tackles in the 2019 class. If they can start immediately, or at least make a substantial impact early in the season, the Vols should easily overachieve.
There’s enough talent surrounding Guarantano for him to succeed. Senior wide receivers, Jauan Jennings and Marquez Callaway will make the case that they are the best wide receiver duo in the conference. Ty Chandler ad Tim Jordan can both explode out of the backfield, as well as serve as reliable pass-catchers. Chaney should be very excited at the talent he has on the offensive side of the ball in 2019.
He has plans to restore the Tennessee football program once and for all. It all starts with Jarrett Guarantano.
