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Ranking Tennessee football’s position units for 2022

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second half of a game between Alabama and Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020.102420 Ut Bama Gameaction
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second half of a game between Alabama and Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020.102420 Ut Bama Gameaction /
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Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) runs the ball during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) runs the ball during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Wide receiver

Yes, based on talent lost, Tennessee football’s wide receiver corps. should be much lower. However, when you factor in who they added, the key player they do return and what the returning players have been able to show, it’s pretty clear that this is still a rock-solid unit for the Vols entering the 2022 season.

Let’s start with the obvious, Cedric Tillman. His presence alone makes this a high-ranking unit, as he’s the first UT receiver since Kelley Washington in 2002 to return to the Vols after a 1,000-yard season. New receivers coach Kelsey Pope is the guy who developed Tillman, so watch out.

Beyond Tillman, on the other side at wideout, replacing JaVonta Payton has been a question. Walker Merrill has his profile. USC Trojans transfer Bru McCoy appears to be a rising star. Ramel Keyton is experienced with the program. One of them is bound to step up.

In the slot, replacing Velus Jones Jr. is no longer a concern. It’s pretty clear that Jalin Hyatt has emerged as a rising superstar, and just behind him, Jimmy Calloway is a pretty big weapon. Combine these guys with all the newcomers, and Tennessee football is loaded with talent at the position, so even with the losses, the depth and Tillman keep it up here.

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