Dobbs gives Vol offense more athleticism, options

Josh Dobbs led Tennessee to 20 points against Alabama and a dramatic comeback victory over South Carolina, but what does he actually provide to Tennessee’s offense?

After being named third on the quarterback depth chart to start the season, Josh has worked hard and has taken massive steps towards developing into the starting quarterback that Butch Jones envisioned him to be when he stepped onto campus in 2013. Mike Bajakian’s offense is a perfect fit for Josh Dobbs because of his athletic ability and efficiency.

On designed quarterback runs, different blocking schemes can allow Tennessee to have even blocking numbers with a defensive front. When this happens, Dobbs is not 1-on-1 with an open defender. Instead, he has room to bust through a hole and get in space to gain large chunks of yards. When he scrambles or the numbers are uneven, his athletic ability and deceiving quickness allow him to exploit bad angles and attempted tackles to create big plays.

Through the air, Dobbs has been mostly efficient because of his poise and his ability to detect pressure. He has only been sacked once behind an improved, but still young, offensive line. When the pocket has begun to collapse, Dobbs has been able to move away from pressure and find an open man down the field to keep Tennessee out of 2nd or 3rd and long situations.

Tennessee’s run game develops through gap schemes and zone reads, which give the option for Dobbs, starting tailback Jalen Hurd, or a receiver in motion to run the ball. The defense has to pause and honor Josh Dobb’s ability to tuck the ball and run, which can allow Jalen Hurd to get an extra step on a defensive end or linebacker when Hurd is handed the ball. On play action plays, the defense can be drawn towards the line of scrimmage expecting Dobbs to keep the ball, and any of the Vols’ receivers can get behind the defenders for a good look down the field.

Edited by Will Lomas

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