The Tennessee Volunteers are putting their final preparations in place for their season opener against Georgia Tech on Monday, and while their depth chart is mostly in order after fall camp, there are still a number of battles that will extend into the season. In some cases, a starter has already been named but still have to secure their spot on the field. With that in mind, here are three position battles worth watching for the Vols:
1) Quarterback
Quinten Dormady and Jarrett Guarantano are in a battle that will stretch into the regular season. Many think that Dormady left spring practice as the leader, but it's no secret that the coaching staff really wants Guarantano to take the reins of Tennessee's offense at some point. He hasn't taken a regular season snap yet, but his speed, athleticism and strong arm give him the tools to be a real dual threat star. Even if Dormady starts the year as the starter, Guarantano will see time on the field in special packages. Expect these two to both see time until a permanent starter is named before the SEC opener against Florida in Week 3.
2) Cornerback
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Justin Martin has locked down one outside cornerback spot with Rashaan Gaulden holding firm at nickel corner, but the other outside spot is very much up for grabs. Freshmen Shawn Shamburger and Cheyenne Labruzza have both played well with camp and may have earned some playing time. That has been helped by graduate transfer Shaq Wiggins, who was expected to start but has struggled in camp. Wiggins will likely get the first crack, but the two freshmen - along with Emmanuel Moseley, who has been limited at practice due to injury - are expected to see time as well.
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3) Left guard
There are plenty of questions along the offensive line going into the season, but the best position battle at left guard is the closest. Jack Jones figures to have the slight edge over Venzell Boulware at the position right now, though both are expected to see time on the field over the first two weeks. This will be a battle that should stretch until the Florida game as well.
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