Tennessee football: 10 Vols who should have breakout seasons in 2022

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Tennessee wide receiver Ramel Keyton (80) warming up for the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, October 9, 2021.Utvsc1007 /

6. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Senior. Ramel Keyton. 839. Wide receiver

6’3″ 195 pounds

We know about Cedric Tillman as Tennessee football’s primary wideout. There’s a void at slot receiver to replace Velus Jones Jr., and there’s another void to replace his complementary wideout, the role JaVonta Payton occupied last year. It’s time the guy who was expected to play Tillman’s role last year step up.

Ramel Keyton was a high-profile commitment in 2019, and he was in line to become the go-to receiver by 2021 once Jauan Jennings, Marquez Callaway, Brandon Johnson and Josh Palmer all left. It was supposed to be a replay of the Marietta High School duo in Georgia, as Keyton’s teammate from there, Harrison Bailey, committed at quarterback.

Obviously, Bailey is gone, and Keyton hasn’t hit his stride yet. In three years, he has 20 catches for 252 yards and 0 touchdowns. This year, though, should finally be his chance to step up. He’s got some competition with Walker Merrill and USC Trojans transfer Bru McCoy.

However, McCoy’s eligibility for this year is in question. Merrill is more the profile of Payton, but Keyton has more experience. Also, new receivers coach Kelsey Pope specializes in pure wideouts, which favors Keyton and McCoy. As a result, Keyton should be able to step up for Tennessee football this year.

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