Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for at Alabama
Redshirt senior. Velus Jones Jr.. 839. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Wide receiver. 2. player
6’0″ 200 pounds
A crucial mistake early in last week’s game was Velus Jones Jr. fumbling a punt. That set up Ole Miss’ first touchdown after the Vols got a rare stop on their opening drive. After that, though, Jones had a great day, catching six passes for 93 yards to lead the team in receiving once again.
More noteworthy, though, is that Jones almost made up for his fumbled punt by running another punt back 40 yards late in the game. That set Tennessee football up with a chance to win while trailing 31-26, but Hendon Hooker’s injury got the best of him at that moment, and the Vols had no chance after he went out.
Jones’ receiving ability and his returning ability will both be crucial in this game. Alabama allowed a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in its loss to Texas A&M, so the Tide are vulnerable here. Taking that into account, Jones needs to make some sort of big play on special teams.
In addition to that, he’ll once again be Hooker’s, or Joe Milton III’s, top weapon on Saturday. For the year, he has 28 catches for 435 yards and three touchdowns. He’s easily been the Vols’ best receiver, and with questions about Tiyon Evans’ health, there’s no doubt that he needs to be the guy with the ball in his hands.