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What Josh Heupel should change in Tennessee's new offensive scheme
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- What Josh Heupel should change in Tennessee's new offensive scheme
Tennessee football has a "new scheme" on offense, according to quarterback Nico Iamaleava .
But what does that mean? Or more importantly, what do we think it should mean?
On this podcast episode of "The Volunteer State," beat writer Adam Sparks and columnist John Adams ponder what the Vols are working on in spring practice and break down why the offense needs retooling.
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For context, that Iamaleava comment about a "new scheme" came from his remarks about working with wide receiver Mike Matthews this offseason. The Vols aren't tossing out the old playbook, but they're definitely experimenting with some tweaks to the offense.
Sparks and Adams offer suggestions about what must be changed or improved. To hear the full conversation, listen to the podcast. Here are a few highlights.
Run Nico run
Sparks and Adams agree that UT must utilize Iamaleava in the run game more. And there are hints from spring practice that the Vols will attempt that in the 2025 season.
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It's a misconception that Iamaleava hasn't run the ball. However, a large portion of his rushing attempts have been scrambles in desperation or sacks for a loss. Designed quarterback runs should be a bigger part of UT's playbook, especially around the goal line.
Here are the rushing stats for UT's starting quarterback the past three seasons.
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2022: Hendon Hooker – 104 carries, 430 yards, 4.1 avg., 5 TDs
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2023: Joe Milton – 78 carries, 299 yards, 3.8 avg., 7 TDs
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2024: Nico Iamaleava – 109 carries, 358 yards, 3.3 avg., 3 TDs
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Reconfigure deep passing game
Sparks and Adams agreed that UT must regain its deep passing game, and not just through tweaks to the scheme. Route combinations, isolating wide receivers, pass protection and Iamaleava's willingness to throw deep must improve.
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Over the past three seasons, everything in deep passing game has decreased.
In 2022, the Vols led the nation with 40 pass plays of at least 30 yards. But that total dropped to 18 long pass plays in 2023 and 15 long pass plays in 2024.
Get creative with skill players beyond the obvious options
There's a question of whether UT touts enough playmakers to ignite the offense.
Running back Dylan Sampson, the 2024 SEC Player of the Year, is headed to the NFL. Wide receiver Dont'e Thornton, who led the SEC in yards per catch, is also gone.
There's young talent on the roster. But Sparks and Adams wonder if the Vols need to reach beyond the primary rotation.
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Defensive back Boo Carter is getting reps at wide receiver. He could be utilized on wide receiver screen passes and jet sweeps from the slot.
Duke transfer Star Thomas may be behind Peyton Lewis and DeSean Bishop in the backfield rotation. But Thomas is an experienced receiver out of the backfield, so he could be a productive target in that role.
Similarly, running back Daune Morris, a speedy freshman, also could be an intriguing option for creative play calls.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com . X, formerly known as Twitter @AdamSparks . Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe .
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: What Josh Heupel should change in Tennessee's new offensive scheme
