Seniors: D.J. Henderson
Juniors: Marquez Callaway, Brandon Johnson
Sophomores: Josh Palmer, Latrell Williams, Jordan Murphy, Princeton Fant, Jacques Jones
Freshman: Alontae Taylor
Outlook:
Tennessee will look for better production from its receiving corps coming into the spring and for the season. Though the unit as a whole is young and relatively inexperienced, the Vols will look to their play makers on the outside to take pressure off of their quarterback and the running game.
Marquez Callaway had a breakout season in 2017, making numerous acrobatic catches to keep Tennessee in games. The junior will look to continue to make his presence known on the outside. The Vols will need Callaway to have an even bigger season in 2018 than he did in 2017 if they want to improve under Jeremy Pruitt.
Fellow junior Brandon Johnson will also be called upon this season. Johnson will look to improve on his skills even more after leading the Vols in catches and yards last season.
Senior and fan favorite Jauan Jennings has been officially reinstated onto the team, but he won’t be participating in spring practices. After being kicked off the team by former interim head coach Brady Hoke, Jennings is working towards getting healthy and rejoining the Vols on the field in summer camp. He currently is treating a leg injury which he had surgery on just a few weeks ago, but Pruitt looks for him to be ready to go by the time the season starts.
Freshmen Alontae Taylor will also look for playing time in his first season. Taylor was a four-star prospect in this year’s recruiting class and rated as the No. 6 overall receiver according to ESPN. The Manchester, Tenn. native has high expectations heading into his Vol career, and fans will look for him to be productive and active in his freshman season. The young receiver could provide a spark to a position group that is lacking in overall talent and ability.
Princeton Fant and Jacques Jones didn’t make contributions last season (Jones missed the entire season due to injury), but they will likely provide depth at the position. But if either has a solid spring, they could move up on the depth chart.
D.J. Henderson came to Tennessee as a JUCO cornerback, but he’s listed on the roster as a receiver now. He’s yet to make an impact on either side of the ball for Tennessee, though.
Initial Projected Depth Chart:
If Jennings is ready to go by September 1st when Tennessee takes on West Virginia, he will more than likely be a starter. Callaway, Johnson and Taylor will also see playing time. Josh Palmer and Jordan Murphy should also see playing time during the season.
Check out our previous position preview piece on the Vols’ tight ends
