Tennessee football’s 10 toughest players to replace for 2022
Wide receiver. Out of eligibility. 2. 57. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Velus Jones Jr.. player
Drafted by Chicago Bears (Round 3, pick 71)
Although JaVonta Payton was down on the list, Velus Jones Jr. played a different role at receiver. Jones, who like Caleb Tremblay transferred from the USC Trojans but did so a year before, was Tennessee football’s primary slot receiver with his speed and size at 6’0″ 204 pounds. It worked, as he had 62 catches for 807 yards and seven touchdowns.
Given his measurables combined with his production, Jones seems a lot harder to replace. Now, in the slot, there are guys who could step up. Jalin Hyatt could play there as well as at wideout, and Marquarius “Squirrel” White, Jimmy Calloway and Jimmy Holiday are all options. One of them is likely to be good enough to replace Jones.
However, that’s not the only thing that puts Jones up here. You then have to factor in his kick return abilities, which made him an All-SEC specialist. Jones averaged over 27 yards a kickoff return on 23 returns and ran one back for a touchdown. He then averaged over 15 yards a punt return on 18 returns.
Simply put, the guy was lethal returning kicks, and that’s an underrated weapon to have. Perhaps the Vols will find a replacement, but it’s highly unlikely they find one who can do what Jones was able to do last year when he fielded kickoffs and punts. As a result, he’ll be very hard to replace.