'He has something about him, he always wants to be great' – Under-the-radar Tennessee Vols true freshman is a future SEC star
There's been a lot of talk this offseason about the Tennessee Vols' wide receiver room in 2025. Tennessee lost a couple of experienced wide receivers from their 2024 squad, which means they'll be leaning on some youth in 2025. The expectation is that second-year receivers Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley will start alongside redshirt junior […]
There's been a lot of talk this offseason about the Tennessee Vols' wide receiver room in 2025.
Tennessee lost a couple of experienced wide receivers from their 2024 squad, which means they'll be leaning on some youth in 2025.
The expectation is that second-year receivers Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley will start alongside redshirt junior Chris Brazzell (Tennessee's lone returning starting wide receiver).
Alabama Crimson Tide transfer Amari Jefferson and true freshman Travis Smith Jr are also in the mix to play key roles in the Volunteers' offense this season.
Another name that could join that group is true freshman Radarious Jackson, a four-star recruit who signed with Tennessee in December.
Jackson isn't receiving the same amount as hype as Smith, but the Memphis native could easily earn a big role in Tennessee's offense as a true freshman.
The 6-foot-2 wide receiver was rated as the No. 6 player in the state of Tennessee in the 2025 recruiting class. Jackson was also rated as the No. 33 overall wide receiver in the nation.
On Monday, after Tennessee's second spring practice, Smith was asked by reporters what he's seen from Jackson so far.
And Smith was quite complimentary of his fellow true freshman.
"He's a dog," said Smith when asked about Jackson. "Ra-Ra, he has something about him — he always wants to be great. He always wants to be right. Just having somebody to compete with like him, that knows the offense just as good as you, it's awesome. All I can say is he's a dog, for real."
The opportunity will certainly be there this spring/summer for Smith and Jackson to force their way onto the field. We saw numerous true freshmen wide receivers make a huge impact around college football season. Maybe Smith and Jackson can have a similar impact for Tennessee in 2025.
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