6’0″ 200 pounds; Hometown: Saraland, Ala.
We’re looking at back to back USC Trojans transfers now. Tennessee football has lots of skill players who could make big plays in the passing game and earn postseason recognition. The Vols’ quarterback could also get there.
More from Vols Football
- How to Win a GUARANTEED $200 Bonus Betting Just $5 on the Vols vs. Florida!
- Tennessee Football at Florida: Five Keys to a Vols Victory
- Week 3 SEC Power Rankings: Did Tennessee Football’s Win Help At All?
- Week 3 AP Polls: Why Did Tennessee Football Drop in the Polls?
- Tennessee Football: Top Five Performers in 30-13 Win vs. Austin Peay
However, Josh Heupel hasn’t committed to a starting quarterback just yet, and he runs a deep rotation of skill players usually. That could make it hard for many of the receivers to break through. One exception is Velus Jones Jr., a speedy receiver who could be used as a wideout, in the slot or as a utility player, which Heupel often uses on gadget plays.
Jones was the leading receiver last year among returning players, catching 22 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns while carrying the ball three times for 16 yards. He also was the primary kickoff returner, which increases his chances at receiving postseason recognition, and he did run one back in 2019, his final year at USC.
As a result, the graduate of Saraland High School in Alabama’s Mobile County should be the Vols’ top skills playmaker this year. In Heupel’s system, that’s conducive to winning lots of awards. That makes Jones the most likely offensive player on this list to do so.