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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 defensive back Jaylen McCollough (22) on the Vol Walk before the start of the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, September 18, 2021.Utvtech0917
Tennessee defensive back Jaylen McCollough (22) on the Vol Walk before the start of the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, September 18, 2021.Utvtech0917 /

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Defensive back. player. 839. Junior. Jaylen McCollough. 1

6’0″ 205 pounds; Hometown: Austell, Ga.

Florida’s issues with interceptions this year under Emory Jones at quarterback are well-documented. Jones has two touchdowns and just five picks. However, what stands out more is who he has thrown the picks to.

Two have been to No. 2 cornerbacks, Diashun Moss of Florida Atlantic and Jalyn Armour-Davis of Alabama. That would lend itself to Warren Burrell potentially being key here. Another was thrown to a free safety, Mekhi LaPointe of South Florida. However, two were thrown to strong safeties, Teja Young of FAU and Brock Nichols of USF.

Among Tennessee football’s free safety, No. 2 cornerback and strong safety, the strong safety is the guy who just came down with an interception. Jaylen McCollough was key last week against Tennessee Tech. His pick was the result of a 3rd and long play that was brought about by him staying home on a first down trick play, which resulted in a sack.

Play like that is key against Dan Mullen’s team, and that makes McCollough a crucial player Saturday. He’s also, like Theo Jackson, an elite tackler up front with two tackles for a loss this season to go along with two pass deflections.

dark. Next. The case for and against each Vols QB

The combination of being a physical safety and playing the key position where Florida is prone to throwing interceptions is what makes him Tennessee football’s most important player Saturday. A couple of picks could be what makes this game close, so watch out for McCollough.

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