When the Tennessee Vols signed Jauan Jennings earlier this year, everyone knew the kind of athleticism the Murfreesboro, TN native possessed.
Jennings, who was signed by Tennessee with the intention that he’d be playing quarterback, made the transition to wide receiver during fall camp.
And apparently it’s went quite well.
Check out this catch he made last week in practice (via Rocky Top Insider)
Didn't get the foot in, but incredible athleticism by Jauan Jennings here https://t.co/cHUW4weOxH
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) August 21, 2015
That’s pretty impressive, even if he wasn’t able to get his foot in bounds.
The 6’3″/201 lb wide receiver could be the wild card the Vols need this season.
Tennessee has a lot of solid possession type receivers. They also have a couple of guys that have big-play ability, but that big-play ability hasn’t consistently showed itself on the field.
Obviously it’s way too early to deem Jennings a big-play threat, but he’s definitely on the right track.
Vols head coach Butch Jones and starting quarterback Josh Dobbs have certainly been impressed with what Jennings has done during camp.
JONES: Jauan Jennings is a young man playing with a lot of confidence. He has that look in his eye. He hasn't missed a rep.
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 22, 2015
JONES: Jennings has exceeded our expectations in his transition. He has not been affected by all the moving parts and pieces.
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 22, 2015
DOBBS: Jauan Jennings is definitely hungry. He brings it every day. He's done a great job of getting better everyday.
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 22, 2015
Teams that exceed pre-season expectations, typically have a player that comes out of nowhere to benefit his team in a big way.
Jennings could be that player for Tennessee.
Thanks to the growing coverage of college football, and the desire to be right about a “dark horse team”, the Vols have significant expectations in front of them. Such as possibly competing for the SEC East.
But the Vols are in the perfect situation to possibly exceed even those expectations.
I’m not saying they’re going to land in the second annual College Football Playoff, but every year there’s a surprise team.
Clearly none of us know who will be the team that surprises everyone this year, or if there will even be one. But if there is, why not Tennessee?
If the Vols do end up being that team, then I fully believe true freshman Jauan Jennings will be a big reason why.
As always, I urge you to caution your expectations for Jennings this season. No one has seen him play in an actual game and we never really know how a kid will react to being on the playing field.
However, I do believe there is reason for great optimism for Jennings in 2015.
Vol fans have a lot to be excited about. Good times are back on Rocky Top.