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Tennessee Football 2016 Recap: Ranking the Top 10 Vols Performers of the Season

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 /

It was definitely a breakout season for Jauan Jennings. After converting from quarterback to wide receiver as a freshman, he was expected to ride the bench as a backup wideout his sophomore season behind Josh Malone and Preston Williams.

But ineffective play by Williams, and an eventual transfer, forced Jennings into the starting lineup. He made the most of that opportunity and showed just how great of a wideout he could be.

Jennings caught an amazing fade touchdown pass against the Virginia Tech Hokies, giving just his first glimpse of what he would become.

Then he had three catches for 111 yards and the go-ahead touchdown reception in the Vols’ huge comeback victory to end their losing streak against the Florida Gators.

He followed that up with the most memorable play in Tennessee football history by catching the 43-yard Hail Mary pass to beat the Georgia Bulldogs.

Jennings finished the year with 40 catches for 580 yards and seven touchdowns, and he also threw for a touchdown.

As the No. 2 wideout at 6’3″ 205 pounds, Jennings showed himself to be a great team player and an amazing receiver. His athletic ability is amazing, and he has picked up route running very well. He also developed great hands.

The future is great with him at receiver, as he is clearly an amazing playmaker and game changer.

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