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Tennessee football vs. Ole Miss: Five key Vols to watch for against Rebels

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) looks for an open receiver 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 quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) looks for an open receiver in the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, October 9, 2021.Utvsc1007 /
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Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) warming up before the start of an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, September 18, 2021.Utvtech0917
Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) warming up before the start of an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, September 18, 2021.Utvtech0917 /

Cedric Tillman. 4. Scouting Report. Redshirt junior. player. 839. Pick Analysis. Wide receiver

6’3″ 215 pounds

Velus Jones Jr. has been Tennessee football’s most productive receiver overall, and JaVonta Payton has scored a touchdown in each of the past four gams. Jalin Hyatt also finally emerged last week with a touchdown against South Carolina. All of them will be key when it comes to throwing the ball against Ole Miss’ defense.

However, Cedric Tillman is the biggest matchup advantage the Vols have. Every FBS team’s leading receiver against Ole Miss this year was 6’2″ or above, and Tillman is the No. 1 receiver who fits that bill for the Vols. Ramel Keyton could make an impact too in this game with that type of matchup advantage.

We said heading into the year that Josh Heupel needed at least one go-to wideout. Well, Tillman is one of three UT receivers with over 200 yards receiving. He has 16 catches for 210 yards, good for third on the team, and two touchdowns.

Last week, Ole Miss allowed 136 yards receiving and a touchdown to 6’3″ receiver Treylon Burks. Tillman could bring about the same performance this weekend. Tight ends have also been key against Ole Miss, but the Vols have relied more heavily on wideouts than tight ends in recent weeks, which is why Tillman gets this spot over Jacob Warren or Princeton Fant.

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