Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for against Georgia Bulldogs
Redshirt senior. Velus Jones Jr.. 3. Wide receiver. player. 839. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
6’0″ 200 pounds
Sticking with the receivers, Tennessee football needs all the big-play guys it can get. While JaVonta Payton is solely a big-play guy, Velus Jones Jr. is the clutch speedster who can also catch the Dawgs off-guard. Again, his abilities allow Josh Heupel to design plays for him in ways he can’t for Cedric Tillman, as Tillman is more about just winning one-on-one battles.
You can’t beat UGA’s defense with one-on-one battles. Jones, on the drive immediately after Payton’s touchdown catch, had a 72-yard reception, and he led the team with 100 receiving yards. That was his second game this year with over 100 yards and his third going over 90 yards.
For the year, Jones leads the Vols in receiving with 36 catches for 553 yards. He and Tillman both have over 500 yards receiving and are tied for second in receiving touchdowns to Payton with six, but in this particular game, Jones is more likely to make big plays.
Another advantage Jones has in on special teams. This is where the Vols could desperately use a big play. Last week, Jones had a 31-yard return and drew a horse-collar to spot the Vols at midfield after they went down 21-14. That allowed them to tie the game up and was crucial. Jones has been knocking on the door for a return touchdown. This could be the game it happens.