The Knoxville Police Department dropped its reckless driving charges against Tennessee receiver Chris Brazzell, KnoxNews Adam Sparks’ first reported Wednesday. Brazzell was originally arrest on Friday, Aug. 8 after the KPD pulled him over for driving 60 mph in a 35 mph speed zone over the Henley Street Bridge in downtown Knoxville.
Brazzell was arrested after the police discovered he was driving without a license and because he had failed to appear in Blount County Court after a previous driving violation last fall. The senior receiver provided proof of car insurance and paid fines in Blount County which dismissed his previous charges and made his license active again.
The 6-foot-5 receiver transferred to Tennessee from Tulane ahead of the 2024 season and started at receiver on the Vols’ 2024 College Football Playoff team. The 6-foot-5 receiver was not overly productive despite starting, catching 29 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns.
While he totaled just two touchdowns, Brazzell had perhaps the most important one of the season. The west Texas native caught a 16-yard go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter against Alabama as Tennessee knocked off the Crimson Tide 24-17 in a critical rivalry win.
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Brazzell is Tennessee’s top returning receiver from a season ago with the Vols losing Bru McCoy and Dont’e Thornton to graduation and Squirrel White to the transfer portal. The Vols need Brazzell to take a step forward in his second year in Knoxville as they break in a new quarterback and boast a young receiver core.
The senior receiver was sidelined earlier in fall practice with a minor knee injury before returning to the practice field last week ahead of Tennessee’s second fall scrimmage.
Injuries have been an issue in fall camp for a young Tennessee receiver core. Sophomore Braylon Staley has been sidelined off-and-on throughout camp while sophomore Mike Matthews missed brief time earlier in camp with a minor injury.
The injuries have presented opportunities for freshman receivers Travis Smith Jr and Radarious Jackson as Tennessee searches for its best receiver options.
