The CheckerBoard

This topic is on my mind as well. I think what is driving it is that we could be a good team next year if we don't have a mass exodus. If a lot of guys leave this year, next year is going to be yet another bad year.

We will see. People seem to think J Hunter goes because of his personal life....makes sense.

The way this year is playing out, we could have a bad year and still have a lot of guys leave. I thought guys having the stats to leave would mean we had a good year.....but the defense is worse than I thought it would be, which means the offense can have good nights and we still lose.

It sucks to think about guys leaving.....because UT hasn't gotten many wins out of this junior class.

Well like Crockett said, it's not all about playing time on the field. It's also a lot about what they can do at the NFL combines. I was thinking of this last night and the fact is I think Bray would benefit with another year. I think his stock has plummeted a bit. He'll also want to see what QB's may be coming out and would be drafted before him. But he still has an arm and the NFL guys know that.

CP - Guy could use an extra year, but he's going to score off the charts in the combines. I'd still be surprised if he comes back.

Hunter - I'm still unsure about him. He hasn't been the long ball threat he was once before. All of a sudden he's turned into a possession receiver with Patterson and Zach Rogers taking over the long ball. Wondering if his speed has went down from the surgery.

I could easily see Patterson being first round after the combines. Bray could be second or third at this point. Hunter could be second or third.

I posted this in the thread about 2013 but thought it fit well in here as well and might generate od add a little to the discussion.

I dont see how any of our big three have done enough on the field to guarantee a sure fire big check come draft day, although all three can, and may still do that this season even, but all three have some questions/flaws to work through:

Bray: Just the fundamentals of QB play i.e. footwork,mechanics,ball fakes, and looking off defenders. constantly throws flat footed or off back foot(reminds me of Jeff George a little with throwing mannerisms) Also leadership but I think he is working hard on that and shown improvement.

Patterson: Prove he can make tough catches and not dropping the easy ones, i.e. yesterdays sure fire TD on Bray's thing of beauty. Hands

Hunter: Health and showing pre injury form. I've not seen it yet and he doesnt seem to be playing at his top form yet. JMO.

My suggestion: Start an intern program with the Pilot corporation similar to what FedEx does for Memphis to help encourage them with their studies. Afterall we need more well qualified travel center employees.

I think the big three continue on a roller coaster performance track this year. They all should be back next year. I think they are all great players... Just need the rest of this year and next year. Go Vols.

It's funny how much early departure talk arose after this Georgia game. I'll admit, it was on my mind.

I think anyone that thinks Hunter is staying is crazy. Too athletically gifted and the fact that he hasn't gotten through a full season as a starter is no reason he won't be drafted. Mel Kiper had him in top 2 receivers on the board. He is gone and good for him.

Patterson I think will be interesting. Yes, we all know he has the physical gifts to leave, but do scouts think he has his fundamentals down? How often does a JUCO WR come to a major school and make such an impact (and Patterson has made quite an impact) without getting major draft attention? We've all heard his route running needs work and yes, he has dropped two big catches (one against Florida and one at Georgia). I am really hopeful that we get to keep Patterson one more year. Him lining up with Croom, Bowles and Pig Howard could still be a very powerful WR group.

As for Bray...no way in hell he is ready for the NFL. Are you kidding? Please someone try to tell me how this guy, a few months removed from chucking beer bottles at cars, is ready for the NFL?