All for Tennessee
Fansided

Tennessee football: Five Ball State Cardinals to watch for against Vols

By Caleb Calhoun

Ball State's Brandon Martin (No. 7) points while on the field during the Red Bird Rivalry game against Miami (Ohio) at Scheumann Stadium Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.Ballstatevmiami 1
Ball State's Brandon Martin (No. 7) points while on the field during the Red Bird Rivalry game against Miami (Ohio) at Scheumann Stadium Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.Ballstatevmiami 1 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Nov 13, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Jayshon Jackson (2) runs with the ball against the East Carolina Pirates in the first half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Jayshon Jackson (2) runs with the ball against the East Carolina Pirates in the first half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

Senior. Jayshon Jackson. player. Wide receiver. 2246. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 3

5’10” 175 pounds

Although Justin Hall is gone, and despite John Paddock taking over for Drew Plitt at quarterback, Ball State still has some weapons in the passing game. Yo’Heinz Tyler is a threat there, and most importantly, their leading receiver from last year, Jayshon Jackson, is back. He’s the biggest offensive threat to Tennessee football Thursday.

Last year, Jackson caught 69 passes for 820 yards and five touchdowns. Vol fans know how valuable a player can be in the slot, so it’s ridiculous to overlook him. Mike Neu will have ways to get the ball out quickly to Jackson, which could help build Paddock’s confidence down the road.

As a result, the Vols need to key on him at all costs. Jackson could end up adding Hall’s role in addition to his own this year, becoming an all-around weapon for the offense. He’s just that good. After transferring from the Cincinnati Bearcats, last year was his first full year starting for any team, and he showed exactly what he can do.

There are obviously questions about the Vols in the secondary and at linebacker, so finding a player to key in on Jackson will be difficult. That’s a major task for Tim Banks, but dealing with Josh Heupel’s offense, including what Velus Jones Jr. did last year and what Jalin Hyatt is expected to do this year, should help.

Home/Vols Football