The tight end position was already a giant unknown for Tennessee entering 2020, and an injury to Austin Pope clouded the outlook even more. Pope was the only returning body with experience at the spot and was a vital piece of Tennessee’s rushing attack last year.
So naturally, when Pope announced that he was having back surgery this summer, it was a big blow for the Volunteers. Pope’s tone didn’t sound all that optimistic in his announcement, and his absence would have forced Tennessee to lean on a few guys with zero playing experience.
However, after a few practices, Pope is actually progressing towards playing in the opener.