Former Tennessee offensive lineman Javontez Spraggins was a fan favorite during his five years in Knoxville. He was a starting offensive guard during all four of Josh Heupel’s first seasons on Rocky Top and played with a fire that Vol fans easily noticed from their television sets at home. Spraggins also had some memorable moments carrying around stuffed animals of UT’s defeated opponents postgame.
But after going undrafted during the 2024 NFL Draft, Spraggins’ football career began to slow down. Until last week, that is. A year and a half removed from his final game at Tennessee, Spraggins suited up for Jalisco Reyes last week. The Reyes are an American football team based in Zapopan, Mexico, who play in the Liga de Futbol American Profesional (LFA). The team’s blue and bright yellow color scheme resembles that of the Los Angeles Rams, to put it in NFL terms.
“It was exciting,” Spraggins said in a recent interview with WATE 6 in Knoxville. “I knew from practice that I was going to go out there and do my thing. I felt good about it. I was going out there to go be elite no matter what.”
WATE 6 Sports Reporter Casey Kay caught up with the former Volunteer this week to hear the latest about his football career as he eyes the NFL down the line.
Check it out below:
VFL offensive lineman Javontez Spraggins played his first game in over a year-and-a-half last week, suiting up in Mexico’s premiere professional American football league, the LFA, with the Jalisco Reyes.
The league only runs about 2 months, but could be a great step to the NFL. pic.twitter.com/sXhVttaLkC
— Casey Kay (@caseykaytv) April 17, 2026
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Spraggins, a native of East St. Louis, Ill, played in 57 games during his time in Tennessee with 49 career starts. He was a key member of Josh Heupel’s first four years in Knoxville and a valuable piece on the offensive line. His play helped Tennessee win two games against Alabama, a road contest at LSU, two games against Florida, and many more.
The 6-foot-3 lineman finished his Tennessee career in 2024 as an All-SEC Third Team selection, a five-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection, and a one-time SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week.
