Tennessee football’s top five options to replace Velus Jones Jr.
Although Cedric Tillman is back, Tennessee football has to replace its two other main wide receiver spots. One of those spots is wideout opposite Tillman, but the other is in the slot, a crucial position in Josh Heupel’s system. Velus Jones Jr. occupied that role last year and caught 62 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns.
Jones, who was taken by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the NFL Draft, doubled as a kickoff returner and punt returner last year, running one back as a touchdown. As a result, when looking at who can replace him, a guy who can fill all those roles is ideal.
There are plenty of candidates based on past success, past expectations and performance in spring ball. Heupel has to find the right guy to be able to continue his offense. Speed, hands and separation are all crucial. Here are Tennessee football’s top five options to replace Velus Jones Jr. for the 2022 season.
These are the five best candidates for the Tennessee football Volunteers at slot wide receiver.
Scouting Report. Freshman. 6'1 206 pounds. Cameron Miller. 839. Pick Analysis. 5. player
One of the most versatile members of Tennessee football’s 2022 recruiting class, Cameron Miller brings high expectations with him. He may reach those early.
This first one is pure speculation. However, Cameron Miller committed to the Vols out of Memphis with tons of expectations. A four-star on Rivals and ESPN and a three-star on 247Sports and On3, Miller has a frame similar to JaVonta Payton, meaning he could actually play wideout if he needed to, but he could also play in the slot.
Given his versatility and skills as an elite athlete, he seems more destined to be a slot guy. Add in the fact that he’s an early enrollee, and he definitely got a head start on working towards that role. As a result, he has an outside shot at replacing Jones at this position.
Now, Miller didn’t really stand out in the spring, as there weren’t too many shoutouts sent in his direction. That’s what keeps him down here on this list. There’s also a chance he actually does move over to work with the wideouts. However, he could shock the world and become a solid utility receiver for Tennessee football earlier than expected.