Tennessee Football: Who Will Step Up for Vols at Wide Receiver In 2016?

Wide receivers have made little noise the past two seasons for Tennessee Football. Will this be the year the Volunteers have another 1,000 yard receiver?

Throughout the years, Tennessee football has frequently been referred to as “Wide Receiver U.” Mostly called this by Vol fans but some outside fans would agree. However in the past couple of years the wide receivers have not lived up to the name of WRU. The last great receivers were probably Cordarelle Patterson and Justin Hunter, who were both first round and second round picks respectively.

So with the wide receiver core that returns for 2016, who has the biggest potential to live up to the WRU title?

There are only maybe four names that will have the biggest numbers among the wide receivers for the upcoming season. Josh Malone, Josh Smith, Jajuan Jennings and Preston Williams will be the main targets for Dobbs. All of these have the upside of becoming a great but which one will step up?

Let’s start with Josh Malone. With the departure of Marquez North and Von Pearson, Malone will be the most experienced receiver. Out of all the receivers returning, Malone will be the target Dobbs will look for the most. Malone brings back confidence that will help him try to continue the tradition of WRU. Malone started out his freshman campaign with some bumps in the road. Although he caught a touchdown pass against Alabama, he still had some drops that were crucial at the time of the throw. If Malone will continue to be a solid receiver for this offense, he can create his own legacy at Tennessee.

Josh Smith might be the most underrated receiver on the team. He has quietly produced solid numbers that have helped more than people think. Smith may have the best hands on the team, which replaces the athleticism that some of these receivers have. Smith hauled in two big touchdown catches against Georgia and Alabama this year, in which both showed his great hands.

Jajuan Jennings may be the hardest returning receiver to figure out. Jennings has all the parts of a great slot receiver. He is very athletic and just looks smooth when running routes or running with the ball. If he would embrace his role a little more, he could surprise a lot of people and put up big numbers. Right now when Vol fans think of Jennings they think of his pass to Dobbs against Florida. Look for him to finally break through and provide the type of receiving yards and touchdowns he is capable of.

The Vol with the biggest upside is Preston Williams. The only five star on the receiving core, Williams has height and athleticism that no one else contains on the team. Fans rarely heard his name called this past season. He had a couple touchdowns against Western Carolina, both of which showed what he can do, and had a nice catch against Georgia. Williams has some swag abut his game that is going to make him be the best receiver of this core. Williams is poised for a breakout year, in which the Vols need for a postseason run. He will be a matchup nightmare for defenses because they will be putting an extra guy in the box to stop the run, leaving Williams on an island with a defender.

Of the incoming recruiting class, only one receiver looks to have an immediate impact. Jeff George will be a huge target in the red zone. His tall frame will be what Dobbs needs for a perfect fade route in the end zone. That will probably be the only time you will see George.

The 2016 season will be even better if one of these receivers step up to continue the WRU tradition. Any of the receivers can make the plays to do it, but Preston Williams will be making plays that will change the game and help the Vols win the SEC East.