Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for at Georgia

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) and Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) celebrate a play during football game between Tennessee and Ball State at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022.Kns Utvbs0901
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) and Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) celebrate a play during football game between Tennessee and Ball State at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022.Kns Utvbs0901 /
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Sep 10, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) reacts after scoring the game winning touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers in overtime at Acrisure Stadium. Tennessee won 34-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) reacts after scoring the game winning touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers in overtime at Acrisure Stadium. Tennessee won 34-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

839. Pick Analysis. Cedric Tillman. player. Wide receiver. r-Senior. 3. Scouting Report

6’3″ 215 pounds

Yes, this is Cedric Tillman’s return game. Last week, he had four catches for 22 yards in his return. Bru McCoy was the leading receiver at wideout, and Jalin Hyatt was again the star, scoring multiple touchdowns for the fourth straight game and going over 100 yards for the third straight game. However, it’s Tillman’s time to shine.

Against Kentucky, Tillman needed to just get back into a rhythm. Kentucky keyed on him in the process. Since McCoy stood out for Tennessee football, Georgia will likely take the pressure off Tillman to focus on the other wideouts. Josh Heupel was probably employing some gamesmanship to save him for this game.

Why would that be? Well, UGA’s one issue this year has been guarding wideouts. Two receivers who stand at 6’3″ have gone for over 100 yards against them. Tillman fits the mold of the guy who could torch the Dawgs more than anybody else, so everybody’s ready to scream welcome back.

Of course, McCoy and Ramel Keyton could both also be key, but fully healthy, Tillman is the most complete receiver of them, and he’s a proven gamer in big moments. Those two things are enough to say he will be key in this one. Pressure off and a focus on Hyatt will play a role.