Vols’ Commit Joc Bruce Shines in Team’s Home Opener

South-Doyle lines up on offense in Friday’s game against Jefferson County. Tennessee commit Joc Bruce is in the backfield as a running back. He finished the game with 149 rushing yards, 2 TD’s, and a receiving score. PHOTO: Nathanael Rutherford

Tennessee commit Jocquez Bruce, a 3-star athlete from Knoxville, torched the Jefferson County Patriots in South-Doyle’s home opener as the Cherokees routed Jeff County 41-14 Friday night.

Bruce was a big part of that victory, carrying the ball 13 times for 149 yards and two scores. He added a 20-yard receiving touchdown as well.

Bruce, the No. 85 athlete and 28th best player in the state of Tennessee according to 247Sports, showed good burst and awareness throughout the game. The 5-11, 170 lbs athlete especially displayed his skills on a 70-yard dash to the endzone.

While Bruce is mainly used as a running back for South-Doyle, Tennessee head coach Butch Jones likely will implement him as a slot receiver in college. One thing is for certain: Bruce is an extremely versatile offensive weapon.

The Cherokees use Bruce as a running back, receiver, punt returner, and kick returner. While he was unable to return a punt during Friday’s game, he displayed his explosiveness during all his other touches. He also plays on defense, and while he didn’t register more than a handful of tackles in this week’s contest, he returned an interception for a score in South-Doyle’s first game of the season two weeks ago.

While teammate Brody Rollins, both a quarterback and a safety, stole the show with three interceptions (including one he returned 55-yards for a TD), Bruce proved once again why the Vols offered him a scholarship and why he could yet prove he is an undervalued recruit.