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Tennessee football: Five strongest outside states contributing to 2022 Vols’ roster

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee defensive back Jaylen McCollough (22) warmth up before a game Tennessee and Missouri at Faurot Field in Columbia, Mo. on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021.Kns Tennessee Missouri Football
Tennessee defensive back Jaylen McCollough (22) warmth up before a game Tennessee and Missouri at Faurot Field in Columbia, Mo. on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021.Kns Tennessee Missouri Football /
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Oct 16, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Byron Young (6) on the field during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Byron Young (6) on the field during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

4. South Carolina: 4

If we’re ranking states by numbers of players projected to contribute, this is probably the highest of the ones with three scholarship players. Tennessee football has one walk-on from the state of South Carolina, Gaston Moore, but the other three bring a lot to the table.

We start with Byron Young. The Vols’ only first-team Preseason All-SEC player had 11.5 tackles for a loss and five and a half sacks last year, both of which tied for the team lead, despite missing the first part of the season. He’s back as UT’s feature edge rusher and is usually considered the best player on that side of the ball for the Vols.

Paxton Brooks is back for his second senior season and fifth season overall as UT’s starting punter. He’s on the Ray Guy Award watch list, and with his tweaked hamstring fully healthy, his role will likely increase this year as he probably resumes kickoff duties once again.

That leaves  Jalin Hyatt. After two years of over 200 receiving yards each, the departure of Velus Jones Jr. makes him the favorite to start in the slot. Past contributions don’t help much, but he’s expected to explode onto the scene this year. That puts South Carolina up here. In 1998, UT’s entire defensive line was from this state, so it’s crucial to their success. It may be key again.

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