[UT Vols News]

Jayson Swain never said anything to embarrass the University of Tennessee football program, yet he was generally candid. The former Vol wide receiver and team captain was known as a straight shooter.

So, with the departure of himself, fellow senior Bret Smith and first-round NFL Draft pick Robert Meachem leaving Tennessee perilously thin at wideout, you'd figure that Jayson Swain would give a mildly pessimistic appraisal of the position outlook heading into 2007.

Meachem, Swain and Smith combined for 60 percent of the Vols' receptions, 71 percent of the receiving yards and 92 percent of the receiving touchdowns in 2006. With them gone, the Big Orange must reply on unproven guys such as Quintin Hancock, Austin Rogers, Lucas Taylor and Josh Briscoe.

So what does Swain, fresh from an unsuccessful tryout with the NFL's Chicago Bears, think of the returning cast at wide receiver?

“I know they have talent,” he said. “I know they’re young and inexperienced but, with hard work this summer and getting their bodies where they need to be, I think that will pick some of the slack up for their lack of experience when they go out there on Saturdays.”

Scout.com: Swain likes new receivers

[Lefty Noob]

Can't say I share Swain's feelings on this. It will be hard to replace that trio of wideouts, especially Meachem.