'I don't think they're in a terrible spot, honestly' - Florida Gators legend expresses surprising optimism for the Tennessee Vols

Florida Gators legend/SEC Network analyst Chris Doering expressed some optimism about the Tennessee Vols on Friday when asked about the Big Orange during an appearance on 104.5 The Zone's The Buck Reising Show. 

Doering noted that he expected Tennessee to take a step back in 2025 -- even before quarterback Nico Iamaleava's surprising departure from Rocky Top

The former Florida wide receiver, however, also pointed out that he thinks Tennessee is actually in a pretty good spot entering the 2025 season as long as the quarterback situation is figured out, the Vols' wide receivers perform at a high level, and the offense finds a way to run the ball without Dylan Sampson. 

"I thought they were going to take a step back anyway," said Doering. "Everybody's been talking about Nico Iamaleava, but I'm more worried about replacing the production of Dylan Sampson. Dylan Sampson was the heart and soul of that offense and the heart soul of that team last year."

"Just figure out a way to run the ball again," continued Doering. "Have a quarterback that can distribute the football, and let's have guys that can catch it on the other end. I think you're actually kind of in a better spot than you were last year with Nico and those three receivers [that left]."

"This is an offense that's very quarterback friendly and very passer friendly. Being able to put up big numbers -- you've seen it. I don't think it takes a [highly rated quarterback to run the offense]. Hendon Hooker wasn't thought of as this highly recruited guy when he came over from Virginia Tech. Just do what you're supposed to do, make the right read, deliver the football with accuracy, and then have receivers that catch the ball. So I don't think they're in a terrible spot, honestly, as it relates to the quarterback spot and the passing game in general."