This afternoon, Tennessee football will hit Neyland Stadium to hold its annual Orange & White game.

Prior to the event, the VolReport staff got in our predictions for how things will shake out.

Here's who we think will be the MVP, a freshman (or two) to watch and a returner that will take a step in the right direction.

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Ryan: Travis Smith Jr. (WR)

Any time a coach or teammate has a chance to talk about what Travis Smith Jr. has done in his first spring, they've taken the chance to sing his praises. For a guy who seems like he loves the spotlight, his first time in front of fans seems like an ideal stage to cap off a great spring.

Similar to what Mike Matthews did in his opening spring game, I think Smith has a chance to find the checkerboard to really get the hype train going.

Noah: Jake Merklinger (QB)

Jake Merklinger had an impressive spring game outing as a freshman a year ago, and I think he’ll do it again.

These games set up well for the backup quarterback to make some plays, and he has a year under his belt in the system. But his role could potentially change on Saturday with the uncertainty surrounding starter Nico Iamaleava and his status with the program.

Saturday could be Merklinger’s audition for the starting job heading into fall camp, making his spring game reps all the more important.

Dale: Peyton Lewis (RB)

Running backs coach De'Rail Sims has bragged on the growth of Peyton Lewis during spring camp. The overall game may be pretty vanilla, so I'd expect a good run game for the afternoon, headlined by the sophomore.

Ryan: Jack Van Dorselaer (TE), David Sanders Jr. (OL)

This seems like a game tight end Jack Van Dorselaer has the chance to take over. With Miles Kitselman out for the rest of camp and Ethan Davis' health certainly a priority, it'll be a group of young guys likely taking the majority of snaps.

When you include DaSaahn Brame, who has worn a red non-contact jersey, and Cole Harrison, who has been in a yellow jersey, to the group, Van Dorselaer is in a spot to get a lot of run. We'll just have to see if he can take advantage of it.

While Van Dorselaer and Smith may steal the spotlight in terms of freshmen, all eyes will also be kept on five-star David Sanders Jr. when he's in the game. He's expected to start in year one and a positive spring game could be a launching pad to the rest of the off-season.

Monitoring how he does is going to be of high importance for spectators.

Noah: Travis Smith Jr. (WR)

Coaches have touted freshman wide receiver Smith throughout the spring. He apparently impressed in the first scrimmage last week, too.

Playing time is up for grabs in a largely inexperienced wide receivers room, and Smith could make an impact in the fall. Saturday will be a good opportunity to put a stamp on a strong spring camp.

Dale: Travis Smith Jr. (WR)

Coaches have raved about the young freshman this spring. With a nice weight addition, Smith is poised for a breakout afternoon in front of fans.

Ryan: Edrees Farooq (DB)

It's tough to pick a guy for this spot because anyone too high on the depth chart isn't going to get a lot of run. It's an event that sees the bench cleared and projected starters typically rest for a good bit of the scrimmage.

Due to that, I think Edrees Farooq could be a guy who takes a year-two step. He likely isn't in a position to start, but could be one of the defensive backs rotated in at safety. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he put together a nice Orange & White game.

Noah: Ethan Davis (TE)

It has been two years since Davis was one of the headliners of Tennessee’s spring game. He also got injured late in that game.

Davis, once a highly-roughed four-star recruit, is heading into his third season, and with Kitselman out for the spring with injury is the most experienced of the group with a chance to play an even bigger role this season.

Dale: Boo Carter (DB/WR)

As a talented as he was during his true freshman year, Boo Carter has taken a few steps forward. Getting his body right and becoming a leader in the secondary have all been noted.

It will be interesting to see if Carter gets any snaps on the offensive side, as well.

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