All for Tennessee
Fansided

Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for vs. South Alabama Jaguars

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) reacts after a play during an SEC football game between Tennessee and Ole Miss at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.Kns Tennessee Ole Miss Football
Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) reacts after a play during an SEC football game between Tennessee and Ole Miss at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.Kns Tennessee Ole Miss Football /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Nov 6, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) celebrates with fans after the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) celebrates with fans after the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /

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

6’0″ 200 pounds

As mentioned on the opening slide, South Alabama is prone to giving up the big play. While Cedric Tillman has become Tennessee football’s top receiver, Velus Jones Jr. has still been the most consistent throughout the year, and he is a speedy guy who can also make the big play. After all, he did have a 72-yard touchdown catch against the Kentucky Wildcasts.

For the year, Jones is second on the team to Tillman in catches and receiving yards with 44 for 597 respectively, and he joins Tillman and JaVonta Payton as team leaders in receiving touchdowns with six apiece. Jones’ 13.6 yards per catch is third to Payton, who has an amazing 24.9 yards per catch, and Tillman.

Beyond the receiving end, though, Jones is higher on this list because of special teams. South Alabama is one of the worst teams in the nation at defending the kickoff. They have allowed five of 10 kickoff returns to go for 30 yards or more, including a kickoff returned for a touchdown.

Jones is more elite as a punt returner, averaging 13.5 yards per return, but he also averages 24.1 yards per kickoff return and has had some key runs. He’s still waiting to run his first one back, and this could be the game he does it, so watch out.

Home/Vols Football