A Look At The Vols 2013 Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

Sep 15, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers pioneer mascot flag bearer waves the flag during the Vol Walk outside Neyland Stadium prior to the game against the Florida Gators. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

The Vols lost a lot of production from the Wide Receiver and Tight End positions after the 2012 season.  Justin Hunter, Cordarrelle Patterson, Mychal Rivera, and Zach Rogers accounted for 187 receptions, 2914 yards, and 26 touchdowns.  Butch Jones and his coaching staff must find playmakers for 2013 to replace some, if not all of this production.  UT is not completely void of talent at the pass catching positions.

The 2013 Volunteer football team will have to rely on a young, returning receiving corps and incoming freshman to produce if they have any hope of winning games and being competitive.  Below is a list of names you will likely hear a considerable amount of this upcoming season.

WR Jason Croom

Croom is a 6’5″ 230 lb redshirt freshmen, who the coaching staff seems to really like.  Before he sustained an injury in the spring, he was said to be the most consistent WR.

WR Pig Howard

Alton “Pig” Howard has big play ability.  His small stature and quickness enables him to allude defenders in space.  The trick is going to be getting him the ball where he can make plays.

WR Drae Bowles

As a former four-star wide receiver, Bowles has a lot of ability.  As a freshman last season, he was able to learn behind the high draft picks and should be a contributor this season.

WR Marquez North

North is a big target at 6’3″ 205 lbs and was a highly rated wide receiver in the 2013 recruiting class.  He should show big things during his time at UT.

WR Paul Harris

Paul Harris is another highly rated four star wide receiver in the class of 2013.  His size will have people comparing him to Justin Hunter.  He is 6’4″ 185 lbs and could develop into a big time player.

WR Devrin Young

Young has bounced around from running back to wide receiver this spring.  If he ends up at receiver, he could make some noise in the slot.  A lot like Pig Howard, Young is small, but possesses plenty of speed and agility to be dangerous in space.

TE Brendan Downs

Downs has good hands and should be an option at the TE position.  He might not ever put up the numbers of his predecessor, but he could be a solid target.

Other names to look for:  WR Vincent Dallas, WR Jacob Carter, WR Cody Blanc, TE AJ Branisel