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Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for against Purdue Boilermakers

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 20, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) plays defense during the first half against the South Alabama Jaguars at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) plays defense during the first half against the South Alabama Jaguars at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) points to a South Carolina defender as he runs downfield 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 wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) points to a South Carolina defender as he runs downfield in the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, October 9, 2021.Utvsc1007 /

Wide receiver. Velus Jones Jr.. Pick Analysis. player. 839. Scouting Report. Redshirt senior. 2

6’0″ 200 pounds

A huge reason for Hendon Hooker’s success has been his arsenal of weapons. Two of them will be playing their final game in the Music City Bowl, Velus Jones Jr. and JaVonta Payton. Cedric Tillman has been the star for Tennessee football in the passing game this year, but Purdue has had more trouble with all-purpose utility receivers on the year.

That makes Jones a much better matchup. This year, Jones caught 52 passes for 722 yards and six touchdowns. Payton also has six touchdowns, but he has just 16 catches for 379 yards. Josh Heupel has used him for a specific big play each game.

Meanwhile, Jones is a guy who makes big plays with the ball in his hands. He also has averaged over 28 yards a kickoff return this year on 18 returns, running one back for a touchdown, and he has averaged 16 yards a punt return on 17 returns.

Simply put, Jones is a playmaker across the board, and his profile as a receiver makes him the best candidate among the skill players for UT to torch Purdue. In his final game, like Theo Jackson, he’ll want to go out with a bang. He has thrived in Josh Heupel’s offense as well this year, and this is a great chance for him to finish his college career in impressive fashion.

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