Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for vs. Florida
A few first-half injuries against the Akron Zips could mean Tennessee football isn’t at full strength as the Vols get set for their SEC opener against the Florida Gators this week. Whether or not they’ll be full-go Saturday, that certainly throws a wrench into which players will be key if the Vols can win this top 20 matchup.
As we get set to break down the players who will have the biggest impact against Billy Napier’s team, our post will look at key positions that have thrived against Florida in their first three games. Indeed, some of those positions are specifically where Rocky Top suffered injuries last week.
That doesn’t mean Josh Heupel has no other options there. Also, they are still relatively healthy, and the Vols have proven their depth multiple times through these first three games. Who’s going to help them prove that again? Let’s break that down here in the five key Vols for Tennessee football’s matchup with Florida.
These Tennessee football players will be crucial in the Volunteers’ SEC opener.
Bru McCoy. 839. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Wide receiver. r-Junior. 5. player
6’3″ 220 pounds
The first key player on this list relates to an injury last weekend. Cedric Tillman left the game in the first half, and while it’s likely the Vols have him for this game, it also means another wideout may need to step up. Bru McCoy has been brewing just under the surface waiting for a breakout game. This might be that game.
Florida has struggled significantly defending wideouts and bigger receivers. Last week, Xavier Weaver of the South Florida Bulls had eight catches for 82 yards. In their loss to the Kentucky Wildcats, Dane Key, a 6’3″ 194-pound freshman, had three catches for 83 yards and a touchdown.
Even in their huge win over the Utah Utes, tight end Brant Kuithe, who stands at 6’2″ 219 pounds and has more the build of a wideout, had nine catches for 105 yards and a touchdown. Tennessee football is more loaded at wideout than any team they have faced with Tillman, McCoy and Ramel Keyton, but this game calls for McCoy to be the star.