A Look At Tennessee Vols Receivers

Sep 6, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Pig Howard (2) catches a pass out of bounds against the Arkansas State Red Wolves during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Pig Howard

Pig Howard led the Vols in 2014 in receptions (54) and yards (618). Howard is a “baller” as they like to say. This guy gives his all on every play. Although Pig is only 5’8″ and 187 pounds, he plays big on just about every Saturday.

Prior to the 2014 season is what not clear if Pig was even going to be on the team. Howard proved to Coach Butch Jones that he wanted to be on the field, and made up for whatever it was that put him in the doghouse with the coach. Howard got his classwork done, and committed himself to the team.

As a result Howard became a leader at wide receiver. Not only was Howard valuable as a receiver as his 54 catches proves, but he was also a valuable member of the running game. Howard had 96 yards and two touchdowns on jet sweeps this past season. Many opposing defenses had to honor Howard’s ability to run that sweep and were stoned in their tracks when Dobbs would fake the sweep to Howard and give to Hurd. Howard became a weapon last season.

Many will remember Howard as the guy that fumbled at the pylon in overtime against Georgia. I remember thinking the instant I saw that play that Howard was just giving everything he had to stretch to the endzone, and the ball just came out. Last season that was wiped away, I hope.

Howard ranks 13th in Tennessee history in catches with 111 career receptions. Think about all of the greats that have been through this University. That is impressive. I look for Howard to put up another 40 plus this season which will move him up even further.

So Tennessee is in good shape when Howard is on the field. He is a playmaker. He can line up in the slot or outside. He is extremely versatile, and is that guy that just seems to get open on third down when you need him to be open.

When I think about Howard, I am reminded more and more that this is the type of receiver that the Patriots seem to find every year. He is built in that mold. Pig should have a big Senior season. They cool thing to say about Howard at this stage is that he deserves a big season. He has given his all.