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Tennessee football: 10 things to watch for in 2021 spring game

By Caleb Calhoun

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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Velus Jones Jr. (1) runs on the field at an open University of Tennessee spring football practice at Neyland Stadium, Saturday, April 10, 2021.Utpractice0410 2287
Velus Jones Jr. (1) runs on the field at an open University of Tennessee spring football practice at Neyland Stadium, Saturday, April 10, 2021.Utpractice0410 2287 /

6. Go-to receiver

Josh Palmer is an NFL Draft prospect and a potential steal. Brandon Johnson transferred, ironically, to Josh Heupel’s old school, the UCF Knights, where he will join former Auburn Tigers head coach Guys Malzahn. As a result, Tennessee football has a collection of very young receivers and late bloomers from last year to pick up the slack.

Velus Jones Jr. is the leading returning receiver from last year, as he had 22 catches for 280 yards and three touchdowns. However, at 6’0″ 200 pounds, he’s best as a slot guy or a No. 2 wideout, particularly given his speed. His strength is what he does with the ball in his hands.

Jalin Hyatt showed big-play potential last year with 20 catches for 276 yards and two touchdowns. He’s an elite wideout too. At the same time, though, he’s also only 6’0″ and only weights 175 pounds. Who could be that go-to tall target?

There’s always Ramel Keyton. Malachi Wideman is also a guy with tons of potential, and Walker Merrill and junior college transfer Andison Coby, two guys in the Vols’ 2021 class, also bring an impressive amount of height. Any of these guys could end up working out, so keep an eye on which one of them stands out the most on Saturday.

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