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Tennessee football vs. Vanderbilt: Five key Commodores to watch for against Vols

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 13, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt quarterback Mike Wright (5) throws a pass against Kentucky during the fourth quarter at Vanderbilt Stadium Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt quarterback Mike Wright (5) throws a pass against Kentucky during the fourth quarter at Vanderbilt Stadium Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports /
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Vanderbilt cornerback Jaylen Mahoney (23) reacts after intercepting a Mississippi State pass during the second quarter at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.Vandy Missst Fb 102321 An 003
Vanderbilt cornerback Jaylen Mahoney (23) reacts after intercepting a Mississippi State pass during the second quarter at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.Vandy Missst Fb 102321 An 003 /

Jaylen Mahoney. 2. player. Scouting Report. Junior. Defensive back. 887. Pick Analysis

5’11” 191 pounds

Everybody on here is a playmaker in some way. None of them are playmakers all the way around on defense the way Jaylen Mahoney is. Cornerbacks aren’t supposed to be all-around playmakers, but Mahoney has been just that this year, and that makes him a huge threat to Tennessee football.

Mahoney, like Max Worship, has two interceptions on the year. He also has a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, so he’s tied for the lead on the team in forced turnovers. However, forcing turnovers isn’t the only way Mahoney is a playmaker. He is also tied for the team leader in sacks with two, and he’s third in tackles for a loss with four and a half.

In terms of all-around playmakers, guys like Michael Owusu, De’Rickey Wright and Daevion Davis all could have made a case. However, none of them do it all the way Mahoney does, and that’s why Mahoney makes this list. He’s also extremely high on this list because his play will dictate how the game goes for the Vols’ offense.

Many UT plays will result in either Mahoney forcing a turnover or allowing a big play for a touchdown. Vandy’s offense will sink or swim with him, and Josh Heupel needs to do everything he can to make sure Vanderbilt sinks.

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