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Tennessee football: Five Vols to watch for at Florida

By Caleb Calhoun

Sep 21, 2019; Gainesville, FL, USA;Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jaylen McCollough (22) works out prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2019; Gainesville, FL, USA;Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jaylen McCollough (22) works out prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) runs for a touchdown during an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee Tech in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, September 18, 2021.Tennvstt0918 1816
Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) runs for a touchdown during an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee Tech in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, September 18, 2021.Tennvstt0918 1816 /

Wide receiver. player. 839. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Redshirt senior. Velus Jones Jr.. 2

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

Last year, Velus Jones Jr. was Tennessee football’s leading receiver against Florida. He came away with four catches for 70 yards and a touchdown. After battling a nagging injury the first two weeks of the season, he finally got right on Saturday against Tennessee Tech.

All Jones did in that game was gain 65 yards receiving to lead the team, including a 45-yard touchdown grab on 4th and 3. He also ran back a kickoff return for a touchdown that was called back due to a penalty, and he averaged nearly 11 yards per punt return. Simply put, Jones gave everybody a taste of what he could be.

Florida has gotten beat through the air at different times this year, and receivers like Jones are built to thrive against them. The best comparison is Xavier Weaver of the South Florida Bulls. He had two catches for 68 yards and a 45-yard punt return against them.

Related Story. Top five Vols in 56-0 win vs. Tennessee Tech. light

We still don’t know who will start for Rocky Top at quarterback, but regardless of who gets the job, Jones will be crucial in the system. JaVonta Payton, Cedric Tillman, Jimmy Calloway and Jalin Hyatt have all shown promise, but Jones is the veteran and the top playmaker for a reason. Josh Heupel needs to use him.

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