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Former Vols Cade Mays, Alontae Taylor and Velus Jones Jr. suited up on the same team one final time Saturday, competing for the American Team at the 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Velus Jones Jr. was one of the game’s leading receivers, hauling in a game high four catches for a team high 53 yards.
Bailey Zappe’s first throw of the day is to Velus Jones for a big gain pic.twitter.com/zcmfjKZE4J
— The Transfer Portal CFB (@TPortalCFB) February 5, 2022
After turning heads in a week of practice, the Tennessee receiver impressed in multiple ways in the game. Jones returned both kicks and punts in a limited role during the game.
Playing in the Senior Bowl meant a little extra to the Mobile, Alabama native. Jones grew up going to the event and was thrilled to receive an invite.
I want to give thanks to @JimNagy_SB and his staff for giving me the opportunity to showcase my skills at the @seniorbowl even bigger making a hometown kid dreams come true. Grateful I had the opportunity to connect and compete with the best college players in the nation!🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/xS44vv1Ovf
— Velus Jones Jr.⚡️ (@VelusJr) February 7, 2022
Jones bested Alontae Taylor in a practice rep earlier in the week, but it didn’t happen to the Tennessee corner during the game.
Taylor didn’t record a tackle in the loss, but recorded just one of the game’s two interceptions. The Tennessee native capitalized on an under thrown ball and high pointed it for the pick.
Nevada QB Carson Strong under throws his receiver. Tennessee CB Alontae Taylor picks him off.
— Brendan Moore (@bmoorecfb) February 5, 2022
Taylor’s interception gave the American Team a much needed burst in the third quarter and their offense followed it up with one of their two touchdown drives of the game.
The four-year starter recorded two interceptions last season and four in his Tennessee career.
After working at a number of positions across the line of scrimmage during practice, Mays settled in at right guard for the Senior Bowl. Mays earned the start, didn’t give up a sack and was on the field for one touchdown drive.
Mays impressed in college with his versatility, playing a number of positions before settling at right tackle this fall. Still, it appears Mays’ strength is still playing the interior of the line.
The trio of players now turn their attention to pro day and the NFL combine before this April’s NFL Draft.
