Tennessee football vs. Kentucky: Five Wildcats to watch

LEXINGTON, KY - OCTOBER 10: Terry Wilson #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats runs with the ball during a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kroger Field on October 10, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 24-2. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - OCTOBER 10: Terry Wilson #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats runs with the ball during a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kroger Field on October 10, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 24-2. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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Oct 10, 2020; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Jamar Watson (31) celebrates after an interception against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the second half at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2020; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Jamar Watson (31) celebrates after an interception against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the second half at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

6’3″ 244 pounds; Hometown: Brandywine, Md.

We really could have named all four linebackers on here. In addition to Jamin Davis slightly edging out DeAndre Square among the inside linebackers, Jamar Watson slightly edges out Jordan Wright among the outside linebackers. Wright does have two tackles for a loss, a sack, a pass deflection and nine tackles, six of which were solo. Oh, and he has the only pick-six on the team.

However, all that versatility only came up last week against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, when he had both his tackles for a loss, his deflection and his interception. Jamar “Boogie” Watson, meanwhile, has been a more consistent standout player throughout the year. Add in the fact that did earn third-team All-SEC, and expectations are for him to continue this run.

Watson has has 10 tackles, seven of which were solo. He has two and a half tackles for a loss and two sacks, and he also has an interception. Now, while he doesn’t have a pass deflection or a touchdown, he has come away with a sack in multiple games, against both the Ole Miss Rebels and Mississippi State. So he has spread out his production.

As a result, Watson is the guy Tennessee football will have to pay attention to the most. Of course, both these guys could put Jarrett Guarantano under a lot of duress, but Watson is the guy more likely to make the big play out of it. Jim Chaney needs to avoid him at all costs.