[UT Vols News]

After a season restoring their credibility as a football team deserving of national recognition, the Tennessee Vols in 2007 are targeting a return to their more accustomed role as championship contenders... The outcome of early games, including road jaunts to California and Florida, will determine where the quest will be directed. Will it be toward national honors or a lofty status in the Southeastern Conference?

2007 TENNESSEE FOOTBALL SPRING OUTLOOK

[Lefty Noob]

It's troubling, to say the least, but Tennessee is facing up to a situation where the wide receiver pool was virtually eliminated. Meacham's absence was caused by his decision to enter the NFL a year earlier than Vol coaches had hoped he would. In his junior year, he had 71 catches for 1,298 yards and 11 touchdowns, initiating the thought in Robert's mind he was ready for a shot at the play-for-pay ranks. The second and third best receivers, Jason Swain and Bret Smith, who had 88 catches between them, have graduated. Returnees with whom the Vols plan to build a supply of sure-handed receivers include Lucas Taylor, Austin Rogers and Josh Briscoe. Lumped together, however, they have only 29 career catches to their credit.

How much will that inexperience at wideout hurt the Vols, you think?