Vols: Jauan Jennings The Next Kelley Washington?

The Vols Jauan Jennings is making his presence known at the University of Tennessee.

Jennings was recruited out of Murfreesboro’s Blackman High School last year as a quarterback. It was noted at that time that Jennings was actually a work in process as a quarterback. Many did not think he had the passing prowess needed to go to the next level.

However the Vols staff liked what they saw. Coach Butch Jones offered Jennings a scholarship to come and play quarterback for Tennessee, and Jennings could not resist the opportunity. Jennings enrolled in the Spring at the University, and had a great spring camp at quarterback.

Jennings managed to learn the offense quickly, but still struggled in the passing game. Vol fans got their first look at Jennings in the Spring Orange and White game, and he did not disappoint. He did not impress with his arm, but his ability to make things happen with the ball in his hand was evident. At the end of Spring, Jennings was third on the depth chart behind Joshua Dobbs and fellow freshman Quinten Dormady.

More from Butch Jones

This Fall another quarterback came to campus in Sheriron Jones. Jones is a polished, dual threat quarterback that can flat throw the football. It was evident that Jennings would fall to fourth on the depth chart. Jennings however is just too talented to be buried on the depth chart.

Jennings was moved to Wide Receiver on his own accord. He has skyrocketed to the top of this group where he is now mentioned as a possible starter. With the depth and talent that the Vols have at receiver this is unbelievable to me. This is just a testament to how good this young man actually is as an athlete.

Jauan’s best decision was to enroll in the Spring at this point. He was able to learn the playbook as a quarterback. Obviously as a quarterback, they are supposed to know what every player on the field is going to do. This was an advantage when switching to receiver. He already knew where he was supposed to align, and what route he was supposed to run.

Jennings is drawing rave reviews. Again, for a guy to be moved to a receiver at Wide Receiver U, and to be considered for a starting position this quickly is exciting for Vol fans. Remember, Tennessee is extremely deep at this position. They did not “need” another receiver. They just could not keep him out of the position.

Live Feed

Rams breakout rookie's unique path went from convenience store job to NFL /

FanSided

Walter Nolen transfer portal rumors: 5 destinations for No. 1 overall recruitFanSided

CFB transfer portal rumors: Michigan QB target, Dillon Gabriel favorite, Texas WR buzzFanSided

Every College Football Head Coach's Against the Spread Record in Bowl GamesBetsided

Opening Odds for Every College Football Bowl GameBetsided

How many SEC teams made bowl games in 2023? Schedule, dates and full listFanSided

We keep hearing comparisons of Kelley Washington. Washington was a Vol receiver back in the the early 2000’s that had tremendous success in college, and in the NFL. Washington looked like a man among boys in his time at Tennessee. In some cases that was true as he came to the Vols after a brief minor league baseball stint the best that I can remember.

Kelley still has the single game receiving record in one of the most dominating receiving performances I have ever seen when the Vols took on LSU. He had 256 yards on 11 catches against a stout LSU defense in that game. Being compared to Washington is great news for Vols fans.

The one word that continues to surface when describing Jauan Jennings is “competitive”. I have heard this over and over. I have heard it coming from ex coaches, and it has been reiterated many times by Butch Jones’ staff. He is showing that nature by moving his way to the top of this talented group of receivers.

That competitive spirit serves this young receiver well on the field as well. He wants badly to win his one on one battle with the defensive back covering him. I have a feeling he will win his share of one on one battles while playing for the Vols this season and for many to come.

Next: Vols Get Commitment From Best Quarterback In Country

More from Tenn Truth

Home/Butch Jones