Answering Tennessee football fan questions nine days out from season opener

GoVols247 moves you closer to the start of Tennessee's 2026 football season with a mailbag podcast answering subscriber questions about the Vols. Patrick Brown and Ryan Callahan took questions from The CheckerBoard on the site covering a variety of topics, from expectations for the defense and how Tennessee could look on that side of the football under Jim Knowles to Faizon Brandon's running ability, "stock up" players and whether Braylon Staley or Mike Matthews will lead the Vols in receiving yards.They also discussed All-SEC linebacker Arion Carter having his NCAA suspension reduced to one game (meaning he'll be back against Georgia Tech) and the SEC taking a decisive stand against LSU's attempt to add players from NFL rosters.(3:12) -- Arion Carter NCAA suspension reduced(9:54) -- SEC bans NFL players returning to college(20:13) -- Jadon Perlotte's role this season(24:01) -- Jim Knowles exotic blitzes and 3-3-5 looks(28:06) -- Why the defense is ahead of young QBs(32:18) -- Pick a player who exceeds expectations(34:17) -- Will the Vols be solid on the O-line?(37:55) -- "Stock Up" players(42:10) -- Ethan Davis latest and Cole Harrison's outlook at TE(45:46) -- Will the Vols have a top-20 defense?(49:27) -- What is a "mock game week" anyway?(51:27) -- Football jersey patch discussion(53:50) -- Faizon Brandon as a runner(56:23) -- Will Mike Matthews or Braylon Staley lead Vols in receiving?