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Tennessee Football: 10 Vols Most Deserving of 2016 Postseason Recognition

By Caleb Calhoun

Oct 1, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) hits Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) causing a fumble recovered by Tennessee for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium. Tennessee defeated Georgia 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) hits Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) causing a fumble recovered by Tennessee for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium. Tennessee defeated Georgia 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; Columbia, SC, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) steps over South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back D.J. Smith (24) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Columbia, SC, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) steps over South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back D.J. Smith (24) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports /

So he doesn’t have the stats to actually be on this list. But Jauan Jennings has to get postseason recognition somehow. Maybe it’s for best teammate, best game-changer, or simply the best play.

Starting as a teammate, Jennings willingly embraced a role as a backup wide receiver going into the year after converting from a quarterback. Jennings then earned a starting spot because of his effort. And at that point, he enthusiastically accepted his role as the No. 2 wideout for the Vols.

Simply put, he was everything Preston William wasn’t.

Then comes the actual plays. Jauan Jennings changed the complexion of four games this year for Tennessee football. He caught the first touchdown pass in the Battle at Bristol to get the Vols going when they were down 14-0.

Two weeks later, Jennings caught the touchdown pass that gave the Vols their first lead against the Florida Gators.

And he caught the touchdown pass to give the Vols their first lead against the Missouri Tigers.

Then there was the Georgia Bulldogs game. Jennings caught a Hail Mary pass as time expired to give Tennessee the win. That play changed the game and could be the most memorable one of the year. Taking those two things into account, he deserves some kind of postseason recognition, maybe an ESPY.

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