Tennessee football: Five Vols to watch for against Kentucky
6’3″ 195 pounds; Hometown: Marietta, Ga.
Ramel Keyton may come as a surprise here, but the former four-star top 125 recruit has looked mature so far and could be poised for a breakout game. In three games this season Keyton has already matched his reception total last year with four and has 49 yards to go with those catches.
Though he starts each game as the No. 3 wideout, his four receptions rank him fourth amongst the team’s receivers heading into this week. He’s still looking for his first touchdown of his college career, but he’s knocking o the door.
When looking at Tennessee football’s wide receiver group, it should be noted that Josh Palmer has emerged as the No. 1 target with 227 yards and all three of the units’ touchdowns. Interestingly enough, as UT’s third receiver last year against Kentucky, Palmer caught for 55 yards and the eventual game-winning touchdown in Lexington.
So, where does Keyton fit into all of this? He’s is in a very similar situation to what Palmer was in last year approaching this week’s opponent. Palmer was the third receiver behind Jauan Jennings and Marquez Callaway, much like Keyton is third behind Palmer and Brandon Johnson.
Equally important, Jim Chaney’s use for Palmer last year is comparative to how Keyton is used this season. Last season Palmer’s average reception went for 13.9 yards while Keyton’s this year has been 12.3 yards.
Against a Kentucky Wildcats defense that leads the conference in interceptions, expect a watchful eye to be kept on UT’s top receivers. So far Keyton has been able to create separation downfield but doesn’t have the big plays to show for it. If Jim Chaney looks to air it out this weekend watch for the Vols to throw it Keyton’s way.