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Tennessee football’s top five performers in 45-20 win vs. South Carolina

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) scores a touchdown in the end zone as South Carolina defensive back Jaylan Foster (12) during an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.Kns Tennessee South Carolina Football
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) scores a touchdown in the end zone as South Carolina defensive back Jaylan Foster (12) during an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.Kns Tennessee South Carolina Football /
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Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) is tackled by South Carolina defensive back Carlins Platel (21) in the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, October 9, 2021.Utvsc1007
Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) is tackled by South Carolina defensive back Carlins Platel (21) in the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, October 9, 2021.Utvsc1007 /

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

6 catches for 103 yards, 1 TD; 2 PR for 33 yards; 1 carry for 15 yards

Lots of receivers stepped up in this game. That’s often a result of how Tennessee football spreads the ball around in Josh Heupel’s system. We mentioned Cedric Tillman’s key 3rd and 8 catch earlier to set up Tiyon Evans’ 45-yard touchdown run. Well, he could have been on here, as he had six catches for 59 yards in the game.

JaVonta Payton had one catch, but it was an epic 39-yard touchdown grab. Jalin Hyatt finally emerged as well with three catches for 21 yards and a touchdown. However, once again, Velus Jones Jr. proved he is the Vols’ clear-cut top receiver.

Jones was built for Heupel’s offense as a speedster who can take horizontal passes or simple crossing routes into the end zone for touchdowns. This was his fourth straight game going over 60 yards receiving and the third time in four games he came away with a touchdown, even if it was his first game going over 100 yards receiving.

Add in a 19-yard punt return and that 15-yard run, and Jones did it all. The touchdown he scored was all him, as it was one of those simple passes that he was able to run 21 yards into the end zone for a score. He was UT’s top receiver again, so he belongs on this list.

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