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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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Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III (7) runs for a touchdown against the Bowling Green Falcons during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III (7) runs for a touchdown against the Bowling Green Falcons during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Florida: 6

By nature of raw numbers and more scholarship players, Florida beats the other three states on this list. However, nobody on here is a guaranteed contributor for Tennessee football, and it’s likely that no more than one of them will be for the Vols this year. Noah Young, another linebacker, is the walk-on from the state.

The line is where the clear talent is here. Gerald Mincey, who just transferred from the Florida Gators, is the guy best positioned to land a starting role, as he is in competition at tackle given the void left by Cade Mays’ graduation. Brian Grant is another offensive lineman from Florida who is part of the Vols’ 2022 recruiting class.

Two players on defense could also be contributors. Jordan Phillips could compete on the defensive line to offset the void left by Matthew Butler, and De’Shawn Rucker saw action at cornerback last year. His role will likely increase mildly this year with Theo Jackson and Alontae Taylor gone.

Most notably, though, Joe Milton III is on this roster. Sure, he’s a backup, but he’s a backup quarterback, and he’s still the No. 2 guy who started at the beginning of last year. As a result, he helps carry this state beyond just the raw numbers, and given the fact that Hendon Hooker’s style leaves him open to injury, Milton could easily play this year.

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