RTI)
Tennessee tight end Ethan Davis is questionable for the Vols’ road trip to Kentucky. He has missed four straight games heading into the trip to Lexington, dating back to UT’s blowout win over UAB.
The tight end originally looked on track to return against Mississippi State, but Tennessee added him to the injury report on Thursday and eventually ruled him out on Friday night. He was questionable throughout the game weeks of Arkansas and Alabama before being ruled out, as well.
In three games this season, Davis has caught just one pass for one yard, but has proved to be an improved blocker over his first two collegiate seasons. With Davis sidelined against Mississippi State, Tennessee ran must less 12 personnel, electing to play three receivers and one tight end instead of two receivers and two tight ends for the majority of the game.
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Freshman Jack Van Dorselaer took over Davis’ snaps in 12 personnel with Davis sidelined. Van Dorselaer played six snaps against Mississippi State but was in for each of the Vols’ final two touchdowns. Van Dorselaer has seen his handful of snaps in the following weeks against the Razorbacks and Tide, as well. Freshman DaSaahn Brame is another option, who is more developed as a pass catcher, and got limited run at the end of the loss in Tuscaloosa.
Other notable names on the availability report include cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson III and freshman wide receivers Travis Smith Jr. listed as out, and linebacker Arion Carter, tight end Ethan Davis, wide receiver Radarious Jackson and linebacker Ben Bolton clocking in as questionable.
Kickoff for the game in Lexington is set for 7:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network. Josh Heupel is 4-0 against Kentucky in his Tennessee career, including a 2-0 mark on the road with wins in 2021 and 2023.
