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Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for at Missouri

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) runs out on the field before an NCAA football game against Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.Tennflorida0925 0200
Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) runs out on the field before an NCAA football game against Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.Tennflorida0925 0200 /
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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 /

Redshirt senior. 3. player. Pick Analysis. Wide receiver. Velus Jones Jr.. 839. Scouting Report

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

When the Kentucky Wildcats beat Missouri, it was behind the ball-carrying of running back Chris Rodriguez, who had 198 yards. That’s why Jabari Small was on here. However, Wan’Dale Robinson was also key, as he had five catches for 101 yards and three carries for 73 yards.

Mizzou’s pass defense isn’t bad, allowing only 183.5 yards a game through the air, but they are prone to specific receivers like Robinson going off. Tennessee football’s best chance of winning Saturday is finding one of its receivers to go off and complement the running game. Velus Jones Jr. is the most similar to Robinson on that front.

Jones is somewhat of an all-purpose receiver. He has nine catches for 160 yards and a touchdown this year, but as the kickoff return specialist, his speed allows him to be used on misdirection run plays. Mizzou is so prone to giving up big plays that Heupel should use Jones on some of those Saturday to help break the game open.

Jalin Hyatt would also qualify for this role, but Jones is more proven and experienced. JaVonta Payton, Cedric Tillman and Ramel Keyton are more pure wideouts. Jones is the best receiver to help with the offense on Saturday.

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