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Tennessee football’s 10 toughest players to replace for 2022

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 6, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) and defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) and defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee wide receiver JaVonta Payton (3) celebrates a touchdown catch as Tennessee Tech defensive back Nyquan Washington (21) motions for an incomplete pass during a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football
Tennessee wide receiver JaVonta Payton (3) celebrates a touchdown catch as Tennessee Tech defensive back Nyquan Washington (21) motions for an incomplete pass during a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football /

8. 32. Scouting Report. Wide receiver. Out of eligibility. JaVonta Payton. player. Pick Analysis

Signed with Arizona Cardinals as undrafted free agent

In terms of production, JaVonta Payton should be higher. He was Tennessee football’s No. 2 wideout opposite Cedric Tillman, and he played the role perfectly. His job was to take pressure of Tillman with the minimal targets he would get by turning those targets into big plays, and that’s exactly what he did all year.

Despite being just 6’0″ 175 pounds and playing wideout, and despite catching just 18 passes, Payton scored six touchdowns on the year and had 413 receiving yards. Probably no player in UT history had a greater impact per catch than Payton did. He transferred from the Mississippi State Bulldogs, and it paid off.

Now, after playing for Mike Leach and Josh Heupel, he gets to stay in the air raid, as he signed with Kliff Kingsbury and the Arizona Cardinals. That production is what keeps Payton from being at the bottom of this list. However, the Vols’ depth at wide receiver is what keeps him from being too high going forward.

When it comes to wideouts, Tennessee football is loaded. Jalin Hyatt can fill that void, Ramel Keyton is a veteran, Walker Merrill is still with the team, and newcomers Cameron Miller, Chas Nimrod and Kaleb Webb could all play it. Then there is USC transfer Bru McCoy, a favorite to start there. With those options and Tillman back, Payton’s departure isn’t as big.

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