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Tennessee football: Top 10 breakout Vols from 2021 season

By Caleb Calhoun

Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small (2) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Bowling Green Falcons during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small (2) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Bowling Green Falcons during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) warming up for the NCAA college football game between the Tennesse Volunteers and Vanderbilt Commodores in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, November 27, 2021.Kns Tennessee Vanderbilt Football
Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) warming up for the NCAA college football game between the Tennesse Volunteers and Vanderbilt Commodores in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, November 27, 2021.Kns Tennessee Vanderbilt Football /

Scouting Report. 839. Wide receiver. Redshirt junior. Cedric Tillman. 1. player. Pick Analysis

6’3″ 215 pounds

With Josh Palmer gone to the NFL and Brandon Johnson transferring to the UCF Knights, it was obvious Velus Jones Jr. would become a major producer. However, Tennessee football needed another go-to wideout. Jalin Hyatt had the preseason hype. Ramel Keyton had the experience.

However, Cedric Tillman, once a two-star recruit, was beginning to compete with all of them in the spring, and even with the addition of JaVonta Payton, he truly began to stand out. By the middle of fall camp, it was becoming more and more clear that he would be the best go-to wideout. Well, he is by far the biggest beneficiary of Josh Heupel’s system to this point.

Tillman never had more than four catches, 67 yards or one touchdown before this year. He finished the season with 64 catches for 1,081 yards and 12 touchdowns, a huge breakout campaign. Together with Hendon Hooker, they helped turn the Vols into the best and most efficient passing offense in the SEC.

Next. Ranking Vols' returning starters by 2021 performance. dark

Now, both guys are back for another go. Tennessee football is incredibly deep at receiver, but none of these guys will outshine Tillman next year. That’s crazy considering where he was, and it looks like he could take an even greater leap next year, so watch out.

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