Tennessee football: Which SEC media picks will be proven right and wrong?

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: Smokey the live Tennessee Volunteers mascot on the sidelines during the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida won the game 47-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 22: Smokey the live Tennessee Volunteers mascot on the sidelines during the game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Florida won the game 47-21. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
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Dec 5, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) waits for a kickoff 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 wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) waits for a kickoff during the first half against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

2. WRONG: No All-SEC offensive skill players

Of the three All-SEC Tennessee football players, one was on offense, and we’ll get to him in a minute. However, none of them were skill players, and that was a mistake. Somebody is going to stand out on that front, even if we don’t know who yet.

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Josh Heupel’s offense is quarterback friendly usually involves a couple of skill players putting up tons of yards. That player could be a running back, a wide receiver or a utility back who plays running back and receiver. We’re talking about any of those guys in addition to the quarterback, who usually puts up big numbers no matter what.

Velus Jones Jr. stands out among all of those candidates. Although we mentioned him as a possible All-SEC return specialist, he’s likely going to be the No. 1 receiver this year too, and as a speedy pass-catcher who can get involved in the run game and play wideout, he’s the perfect fit for Heupel’s offense. There’s a reason he was brought to SEC Media Days.

If Jones doesn’t work out, there are numerous options among players to step up, and that includes returning talent and new recruits. The transfers of Eric Gray and Ty Chandler won’t hurt their chances at all. Somebody at the skill positions will make All-SEC. They will prove those making predictions in the media wrong.