Evaluating Tennessee football’s 2021 WR class at dead period

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: A view of the outside of Neyland Stadium before a game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers on September 15, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: A view of the outside of Neyland Stadium before a game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers on September 15, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images)
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Tennessee football
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Commitments

Kaemen Marley (Athlete)

  • Ratings: Four-star (Unanimous)
  • Size: 6’2″ 206 pounds
  • Hometown: Ramseur, N.C.
  • High School: Eastern Randolph

One of the most versatile athletes in this class, Kaemen Marley could play wide receiver, running back or defensive back for Tennessee football. However, given his ridiculous abilities, receiver is the best spot. The Vols could use him the way they used Cordarrelle Patterson, meaning he’ll likely play receiver when he arrives on Rocky Top.

Jordan Mosley 

  • Ratings: Four-star (Unanimous)
  • Size: 6’0″ 190 pounds
  • Hometown: Mobile, Ala.
  • High School: McGill Toolen

The Vols’ first four-star commitment for 2021, Jordan Mosley keeps the pipeline going into South Alabama. At 6’0″, he doesn’t have the size mismatch that Jim Chaney loves for his wideouts, however, he does have a 37-inch vertical and already a 4.58 40-time. As a result, he provides value and is a four-star for a reason.

Julian Nixon

  • Ratings: Four-star (Unanimous)
  • Size: 6’4″ 225 pounds
  • Hometown: Roswell, Ga.
  • High School: Centennial

Now this is where the size comes in. Julian Nixon is basically a tight end playing wide receiver, which is a huge deal for the Vols. Given his frame, he could easily become a go-to wideout for Rocky Top as a freshman. We already mentioned that Chaney loves size. Jeremy Pruitt loves it as well. Nixon will provide it.

Walker Merrill

  • Ratings: Four-star (ESPN); Three-star (Rivals, 247Sports)
  • Size: 6’1″ 175 pounds
  • Hometown: Brentwood, Tenn.
  • High School: Brentwood

He’s a bit undersized right now, which likely makes him a three-star. However, Walker Merrill is a solid in-state prospect, already running a 4.5 40. The potential for development is there, and he could be a tall slot receiver if given the chance at the SEC level.