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Five Tennessee football players to focus on as spring practice starts

By Dean Zulkofske

Dec 5, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Harrison Bailey (15) hands the ball off to running back Eric Gray (3) during the first half against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Harrison Bailey (15) hands the ball off to running back Eric Gray (3) during the first half against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 5, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) runs with the ball against the Florida Gators during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) runs with the ball against the Florida Gators during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Since Tennessee football stumbled across the finish line in 2020 with a 3-7 record and a COVID-19 inhibited bowl game, Rocky Top has gotten a complete makeover. Beginning this Thursday, March 25, the new-look Vols under Josh Heupel will begin official spring practices.

The Vols, who are also hosting their NFL combine style Pro-Day on March 25, have been holding off-season workouts for almost two weeks now. You’ve seen how some of their drills have seemed a bit unordinary, but the team appears ready to begin working towards 2021. As is often the case with the beginning of spring practice, there are multiple storylines to watch out for.

In Tennessee football’s case here in 2021, however, a new coaching staff and a roster stripped of its top contributors make the players themselves the story. An abundance of information is bound to come flying out of Knoxville in the coming weeks, but here are the five Vols fans should keep an eye on as UT begins spring practice.

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

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

When Velus Jones Jr. joined Rocky Top as a transfer in 2020, it was common knowledge that the Vols stood out to the former USC Trojan because of his relationship with the then wide-receiver coach, Tee Martin. But now, Martin is coaching the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL.

At the same time, two of the wide-outs who competed with Jones for the top spot last season, Josh Palmer and Brandon Johnson, are no longer in Knoxville either. As a result, while it’s still unclear who UT’s No. 1 quarterback will be, but Jones is the top-returning receiver widely expected to be the Vols No. 1 guy this fall.

On-the-field success in the fall begins this spring, though. Keep an eye on how the speedster distinguishes himself from the other young wide-outs on the roster. In what’ll be his sixth year of NCAA eligibility, Tennessee football fans should expect Jones Jr. to thrive in the hardy veteran role this season.

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