Tennessee didn’t lack for much on offense last season. By now, I’m sure you’ve heard of all the points the Vols scored, how they set school records and how quarterback Hendon Hooker ascended from the bench to Heisman Trophy consideration.

Suffice to say, the last 18 months have been pretty eventful for Tennessee offensive coordinator Alex Golesh, who met with the media as part of Tennessee’s annual “Media Day” event on Sunday. 

Now, after a season to get more comfortable, the Vols are ready to settle in just a bit. Tennessee has several goals to accomplish this season. Here are some on offense as camp opens on Monday:

Find another big-time receiver

Let’s start with Cedric Tillman. The Vols will likely find several receivers to work off of Tillman, which requires extra attention from opposing defenses. Transfer Bru McCoy from Southern California is perhaps the most talented receiver on Tennessee’s roster, Tillman included. However, the move to Tennessee is his third transfer so the jury is still out if he’ll be eligible this season.

If McCoy isn’t ready to take on some of the load that was carried by former receiver Velus Jones, then the Vols will have to find somebody else. Jones was a surprise player last season that the Vols would love to have back. Instead, Tennessee will depend on who they have on their roster and head coach Josh Heupel’s offensive acumen to take advantage of defenses that are keeping a keen eye on Tillman. Jones, meanwhile, will be working on his route-running skills with the Chicago Bears.

Coaches are often hesitant to point out unproven players, especially freshmen. However, Golesh didn’t hold back when he spoke about UT freshman Marquarius “Squirrel” White.

“Squirrel was so exciting to see…Squirrel, in so many ways, is wise beyond his years,” Golesh said.

As for the other receivers in line for playing time, Golesh said Jalin Hyatt has taken “monumental” steps to improve, but added that Jimmy Calloway needs to continue to work on his consistency.

Establish a better offensive line

Tennessee’s offensive line is a much bigger challenge. The Vols were last in the SEC in sacks allowed last season, which surely caused Hooker to be uncertain at times. That, as much as anything, likely resulted in some errant throws that he unfairly received criticism for. The Vols need a more secure pocket and Tennessee’s coaches know that.

The most difficult decision with Tennessee’s offensive line is what the Vols should do with Darnell Wright. One of the the Vols’ most talented offensive linemen, Tennessee could play him at right tackle, where he started in 2020, or left tackle, where he started last season. The decision on Wright will be party based on how adaptable Tennessee’s young, incoming players can be. 

If some newbies are only comfortable playing left tackle since that’s all they’ve played, Wright’s ability to adapt can be key for the Vols as they set their lineup and deal with injuries that are always just right around the corner.

Ideally, Wright would probably stay at left tackle, which is one of the most important positions on the field. However, there could be some incoming players that are ready to contribute. but don’t have the skill set to play right tackle.

“Who is it going to be?” Golesh said. “Is there a rotation there? What’s it really going to look like?

Florida transfer Gerald Mincey and senior Jeremiah Crawford are players that will be expected to contribute at offensive tackle.

“It will be really good competition.” Golesh said. “We’re going to make it hard and we’re ready to roll.”

Find a go-to tailback

While there are always preseason concerns, there doesn’t seem to be any about running back Jabari Small, who no longer lives up to his last name. Small might never be confused as a big tailback. However, he’s listed at 5-foot-10 and 213 pounds. That’s considerably bigger than Small was when he showed up on campus in 2020.

“I joke with him that he looks like an all-purpose back rather than a third-down back,” Golesh said. “The hope there is that he can get and stay healthy throughout what is a very rigorous schedule.” 

Tennessee’s coaches learned that last season. The Vols were successful in 2022, but need more from several players if they’re to take the next step and actually contend in the SEC East.

“Jabari has changed his body in so many ways and is about as focused as I’ve seen him since we’ve been here,” Golesh said. “It’s so different when you go into the year and you know you’re being counted on.”

Small is being counted on. So is Tennessee’s entire football team. 

“There’s a confidence about Jabari and I don’t think he was super confident a year ago,” Golesh said.

Tennessee fans know the feeling.