Wide Receiver
WR1: Marquez Callaway, Brandon Johnson
WR2: Josh Palmer, Tyler Byrd
WR3: Jauan Jennings, Jordan Murphy/Jacquez Jones
Tennessee’s projected starting trio of receivers didn’t change any during fall camp, but there was some interesting movement on the depth chart behind them.
At the slot position, it looked like at the start of fall camp that Jordan Murphy would nail down that spot behind Jennings and could possibly be the fourth receiver in the rotation. But Jacquez Jones has put together a strong showing this fall and has really pushed Murphy for that spot in the slot. Jennings’ snaps may be limited early on, and that means Jones could grab some early reps. If he flashes in a game, then Murphy could be in trouble.
Brandon Johnson has also had a bit of a resurgent fall. Johnson led the Vols in receptions as a sophomore in 2017, but he wasn’t used much at all as a junior last season. As a senior, Johnson has shown a good amount of urgency during fall camp and has worked his way into likely a bigger role in his final year. Fellow senior Tyler Byrd could also see his role expanded in Jim Chaney’s offensive system.
Younger receivers like Cedric Tillman and Ramel Keyton have a chance to find some roles this season, but the Vols’ receiver room is going to be dominated by veterans this year unless injuries occur.
