Tennessee football: Five takeaways from Vol 23-22 Gator Bowl win vs. Indiana

3. Youth production showed Vols’ future is alright. 

Jauan Jennings came through late in the second half after missing the first half. Marquez Callaway had a key catch. Darrell Taylor had a key late sack, Daniel Bituli was all over the field, and Nigel Warrior did his thing. The veterans all deserve shoutouts.

But this night was all about the production of players coming back next year. Starting with freshmen, Eric Gray was the player of the game. He had 14 carries for 86 yards, averaging over six yards a carry, and a touchdown. Meanwhile, he had two receptions for 34 yards, going over 100 yards in total from scrimmage, and he recovered the onside kick.

By the way, that onside kick recovery was brilliant, as he waited just as it crossed the 10-yard marker before recovering it. Also, Ramel Keyton had 60 yards receiving. Quavaris Crouch, a linebacker, had a rushing touchdown. And on defense, Jaylen McCullough and Henry To’o To’o were all over the field, as they were the two leading tacklers.

Those were just the freshmen. Looking at other players coming back, Josh Palmer led the team in receiving with six receptions for 68 yards. Shawn Shamburger had an interception and a sack. Ty Chandler, who will likely be back, had 35 yards rushing, 24 yards receiving and a 47-yard kickoff return, balling out in every way.

Simply put, lots of the underclassmen were huge in this game, and that’s a big plus for Tennessee football heading into the future. But beyond a lot of them, there is a certain kicker who leads to our next point.