So he did fumble a punt return at one point, but he also was the one to recover it back. That makes the two things cancel each other out. And beyond that, Marquez Callaway reminded people why he was Tennessee football’s one preseason All-SEC player selected by the media. He did his part on Saturday in the loss.
Callaway caught the first touchdown pass after the Vols fell behind 7-0. It was a fade from Jarrett Guarantano, and he just went up and won the one-on-one match-up. That was the Callaway we all knew to love. This guy is simply a playmaker and a true receiver, and he finished with three receptions for 46 yards and a touchdown.
Meanwhile, that fumble he had was on a punt he had returned for 30 yards, and he had 35 punt return yards on the day overall. This is Callaway, a guy who shows his versatility and his ability to make big plays. The major indictment is against Jim Chaney and Jarrett Guarantano for not making sure he got the ball more.
We said at the start of the season that Callaway would be the Vols’ No. 2 wideout but their No. 1 playmaker among wide receivers because of what he could do in other ways. That showed on Saturday, and he more than did his part to win the game. So of course we’re going to put him on this list.