Tennessee safety Jaylen McCollough ends his career on Rocky Top at the very top of one of the Vols’ all-time statistic marks.
With 51 starts over the span of five seasons with the Vols, McCollough is Tennessee’s all-time program leader in games started for the Big Orange.
McCollough racked up a total of 241 tackles, two sacks, six interceptions, one forced fumble, and 16 defended passes during his career in Knoxville.
McCollough’s 51st start came in the Citrus Bowl this past Monday.
“Crazy,” McCollough said after the game. “This is one I’ll never forget. Just thankful I got to do it with my teammates and go out on top.”
Jaylen McCollough Starts By Year:
2019 – Started the final six games
2020 – Started eight games with injuries throughout
2021 – Started all 13 games
2022 – Started all 11 games played in
2023 – Starated all 13 games
The most starts EVER by a Tennessee Volunteer@Jay_Mccollough2 🫡 pic.twitter.com/gxjd6fqpb5
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) January 2, 2024
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McCollough played his final game for the Vols this past Monday afternoon as the defense shut out Iowa 35-0 in the Citrus Bowl from Orlando, Florida.
“Glad we got to go out like that, man,” McCollough said after the game. “Shout out my team, shout out Tennessee in general, man. We prepared the right way and came out on top.”
While the last three years under head coach Josh Heupel has seen a collective 27-12 record, McCollough’s first two seasons on Rocky Top saw Tennessee go 11-12. Still, though, McCollough has no regrets about how anything shook out.
“I wouldn’t go back and change anything,” McCollough said. “You learn a lot of appreciation, a lot of gratitude going through some of the stuff I did in my career. It just makes these moments a whole lot better, a whole lot sweeter.”
Despite it being all the way back in the 2019 season, McCollough easily remembered his first Tennessee start off the top of his head after the bowl game.
“South Carolina,” McCollough said. “2019 South Carolina. It’s crazy because I think we gave up a touchdown my very first, you know, it was some miscommunication or whatever. But, hey man, it comes with it! You learn from it. 51 starts later, man, and it’s just been a blessing. I’m thankful to do it at this University with these great people.”
The fifth-year senior posted to Instagram on Tuesday that he will be declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft:
“TO MY FAMILY:
I would like to thank my family for their unconditional love, support, dedication, and commitment throughout my life and especially during my athletic journey. I’m so thankful to have a support system like the one I have.
TO MY TEAMMATES:
I would like to acknowledge my guys for the brotherhood and the memories we have created these past five years. You all have made college football the best experience simply from the relationships we’ve built.
TO THE COACHES:
I would like to extend gratitude to the men from both staffs | experienced during my tenure for taking their time to develop me not only as a football player but as a man as well. The lessons you all have instilled in me have equipped me for life.
TO TENNESSEE:
Thank you Vol Nation for soldout crowds, amazing Saturdays in Neyland, but most importantly thank you for allowing me to experience a childhood dream at the best university in the country”
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