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Tennessee football’s top five seniors for 2021

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays (68) runs on the field during the first quarter during a game between Tennessee and Missouri at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020.100320 Tenn Mo Jpg
Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays (68) runs on the field during the first quarter during a game between Tennessee and Missouri at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020.100320 Tenn Mo Jpg /
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Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) during morning football practice on campus on Friday, August 20, 2021.Kns Ut Football Practice Bp
Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) during morning football practice on campus on Friday, August 20, 2021.Kns Ut Football Practice Bp /

Because of last year’s COVID eligibility ruling, Tennessee football has way more seniors than normal on this year’s roster. There are standard seniors, fifth-year seniors and even sixth-year seniors expected to have an impact on this year’s team. Only three seniors who graduated last year actually left the program, and that makes for lots of veteran leadership this year.

With a new head coach in Josh Heupel and a ton of turmoil surrounding the program, such experience could prove valuable. This is one way the Vols can withstand an expected storm coming in 2021 thanks to an NCAA investigation and a wave of transfers and attrition.

It’s hard to break down all the top fourth, fifth and sixth-year guys on this list, and some of them may actually be able to come back next year. However, for the purposes of this post, when we look at seniors, we’ll include anybody who just has the official senior title on their profile. Let’s dive in ranking Tennessee football’s five key seniors for 2021.

Pick Analysis. Wide receiver. 5. player. Scouting Report. Saraland, Ala.. Velus Jones Jr.. 839

6’0″ 200 pounds

Josh Palmer is one of the few seniors who graduated last year. Combine that with the departure of Brandon Johnson, who transferred to the UCF Knights, and Velus Jones Jr. is by far the most proven returning playmaker. The USC Trojans transfer emerged late last year for UT and finished second on the team in receiving with 22 catches for 280 yards and three touchdowns.

Jones is also the Vols’ primary kickoff returner. Add in the fact that, as a speedy receiver, Josh Heupel can use him on lots of running plays in his system, and there will be plenty of ways for him to get touches and make big plays this year.

There’s a reason the graduate of Saraland High School in Alabama’s Mobile County was one of the two Vols to travel to SEC Media Days. Heupel clearly expects him to be one of the most recognizable players on offense this year. Based on how he ended the 2020 season, it’s likely that’s going to be the case.

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