Tennessee football had no issue against ETSU, dismantling the Buccaneers en route to a 72-17 win. As a result, the Vols had the chance to empty the bench and get freshmen and other reserve players on the field. As the second half wound down, some of these freshmen even found the end zone for the first time.
With little time remaining in the third quarter, tight end Jack Van Dorselaer snuck into the checkerboard. His seven-yard reception put Tennessee on top 62-10 with 3:22 left in the third. He finished the game with just that one reception, but was also a big piece of the run game as a blocker.
He caught his pass from redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger. The quarterback came in to start the second half and finished on 9-for-14 passing with 118 yards and two touchdowns.
The first of many for Jack Van Dorselaer. (@JackVanD85) pic.twitter.com/R2IHmjSwQN
— John Sartori (@JohnSartoriTV) September 6, 2025
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With just under four minutes remaining in the game, another freshman got into the end zone. Daune Morris scampered in from 10 yards out to add the final blow to the scoreboard. This resulted in the 72-17 final score. He finished with 48 yards on nine carries. He also returned three punts for a total of 24 yards.
The quarterback when he scored his touchdown was true freshman George MacIntyre. He finished with 52 yards on 6-for-7 passing.
one more for good measure.
Daune Morris finds the checkerboard.
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📲 https://t.co/vU5Soj3zWw pic.twitter.com/Bs9eatFzrF— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) September 6, 2025
Other freshmen contributors on offense included running back Justin Baker, tight end DaSaahn Brame, and a trio of receivers. Baker finished with 37 rushing yards on 11 carries. Brame added in two receptions for 16 yards. At receiver, Radarious Jackson caught three passes for 35 yards, Travis Smith caught two for 20 and Joakim Dodson caught one for 27.
