Vols with biggest impact so far
It’s been a roller-coaster season for Team 120. Here are some of the Vols’ most impactful players from the first half of the season.
Tennessee running back #6 Alvin Kamara breaks open a run against Ohio on Sept. 17, 2016. Photo by Sumner Gilliam.
The Tennessee football season thus far has been nothing short of exhilarating. Despite a tidal wave of injuries and one of the toughest schedules in college football, the Vols are 5-2 heading into a much-needed bye week. Here are the players who’ve made the biggest impact thus far.
Joshua Dobbs, QB
The senior and team captain has made strides this season. Dobbs is only one passing touchdown away from matching last season’s total of 15. Although he’s thrown a career-high nine interceptions, he’s produced more on offense, throwing for over 1,500 yards on the air and nearly 300 yards on the ground with five touchdowns.
Jauan Jennings, WR
It’s impossible to overlook Tennessee’s star wide receiver when considering Team 120’s most impactful players. Jennings recorded his first 100-yard performance of his career against Florida, totaling 111 yards on three receptions, with one of those receptions being a 67-yard touchdown against standout Gator cornerback Jalen Tabor. Stats aside, Jennings made the most impactful play of the Vols’ season when he single-handedly boxed out multiple Georgia defenders and defeated the Bulldogs on an improbable Hail Mary.
Alvin Kamara, RB
Alvin Kamara may not be the starting running back, but whenever he touches the ball, he makes plays. He’s racked up 313 rushing yards and caught 22 passes for 260 yards on the season. In total, he has six touchdowns in his limited opportunities. What’s even more impressive are Kamara’s averages — a solid 4.9 yards per carry and 11.8 yards per reception. Don’t forget his breakout performance against Texas A&M, in which he gained 288 total yards of offense and three touchdowns.
Derek Barnett, DE
Tennessee’s undisputed best player has been a nightmare for opposing offenses all season. Last week, Barnett was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week for the second team this season after an impressive performance against No. 1 Alabama, recording three tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, a forced fumble and even an interception. In total, he’s recorded 32 tackles, six sacks (all in SEC play) and two forced fumbles.
Edited by David Bradford and Nathan Odom
Featured image by Sumner Gilliam
