We are finally to the one and only player who represented Tennessee football across all the preseason All-SEC teams. Marquez Callaway made second-team as a punt returner. And his potential beyond just being a receiver is why we have him so high on our list as well.
Last year, Callaway led the Vols in receiving with 37 receptions for 592 yards and two touchdowns. One of them was that epic Hail Mary grab against the Kentucky Wildcats. However, while he could take a step forward receiving this year, Jauan Jennings should finally be back to his 2016 self. Josh Palmer has emerged. And Dominick Wood-Anderson is still there.
As a result, Jarrett Guarantano has tons of weapons to throw to, which will limit Callaway’s chances to rack up tons of stats. Still, he is No. 4 because being a punt returner offers him another chance to win a postseason award. Callaway has two punt return touchdowns for his career, and he had one in 2018 against the Charlotte 49ers.
Being the best player on the team with the ball in his hands in open space, and as an incredibly fast guy who can win vertical jumps in one-on-one matchups with anybody, Callaway should have an explosive senior season. And his chances at racking up stats in Jim Chaney’s system, even with the competition, put him high on this list.