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Tennessee football: five Vols to watch for against Florida

By Dean Zulkofske

Tennessee linebacker Quavaris Crouch (27) celebrates a play during a game between University of Tennessee and Chattanooga at Neyland Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019.Utvschattanooga0914 0689
Tennessee linebacker Quavaris Crouch (27) celebrates a play during a game between University of Tennessee and Chattanooga at Neyland Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019.Utvschattanooga0914 0689 /
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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – NOVEMBER 7: Velus Jones Jr. #1 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs the ball in the first half of a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 7, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – NOVEMBER 7: Velus Jones Jr. #1 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs the ball in the first half of a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 7, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Watch for these Tennessee football Volunteers players when UF visits Neyland Stadium.

There is a special place in the hearts of Tennessee football fans for the rivalry between UT and UF, and though it’s not being played early in the season like usual, this season’s December edition is still very important. The Vols’ last win against the Gators came at home in 2016, when Josh Dobbs and Jauan Jennings rallied from a 21-0 deficit to win 38-28.

However, since UT’s 2016 miraculous comeback win against Florida in Neyland Stadium, the Vols have dropped three straight to their SEC East rivals. To make matters worse, aside from their 2016 victory, Rocky Top’s last win against the Gators game in 2004. The Vols are 1-14 against UF since that 2004 victory.

Currently sitting as 17 point home underdogs, Tennessee football’s defense will again have its hands full, this time facing a Gators offense that averages 43 points per game. If the Vols pull-off the upset, it’ll have to do largely in part to the five players listed here.

5. 839. Wide receiver. Redshirt Senior. Velus Jones Jr. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

6’0″ 200 pounds; Hometown: Saraland, Ala.

Every once in a while, offensive coordinator Jim Chaney will put the ball in the hands of Velus Jones Jr. and scorch opposing defenses with the graduate transfer from the University of Southern California’s speed. Jones had a 28-yard reception and run in Week 12 against the Auburn Tigers.

The problem with Chaney’s inclusion of Jones into the offense is just that; it’s every once in a while. Attempting to avoid their sixth straight loss, the Vols will need to capitalize on every opportunity they can against the Gators on Saturday.

As UT’s return man, Jones will have his fair share of chances to use his elusive speed to create separation from defenders. So far, Jones has tallied just 85 receiving yards but 273 kick return yards. In fact, he trails just Tank Bigsby of Auburn for the most kick return yards in the SEC.

If he can’t get anything going on special teams, then Chaney needs to find a way to get him in the open field. He’s too fast and too valuable to not be utilized on a weekly basis. Look for Jones to get more opportunities on Saturday to give Tennessee football their best chance at victory.

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