Tennessee WR Tristen Keys gives an update during spring practice that should quiet a recent controversy that spread online
The Vols’ promising young wideout isn’t 100% during spring ball.
Tennessee freshman wide receiver Tristen Keys came to Knoxville at the start of this year with a lot of expectations. Sky high, in fact.
That’s just the nature of the beast when you’re a five-star signee and one of the most sought-after players in the nation. A one-time commitment to LSU, Josh Heupel flipped his commitment to Tennessee back in late August, and Keys signed on the dotted line in December during early signing period.
Now, Keys is in orange and white and working for the first time in spring practice this week. And he caught some attention quickly this week when he was shown running an out route that some fans and even a former Vol were critical of.
Well, Keys spoke with the media for the first time on Thursday, and he revealed that he’s currently being limited by the training staff as he recovers from an unspecified injury from high school.
Tennessee WR Tristen Keys says he’s not at full speed while recovering from an injury from high school
“I wouldn’t say it set me back, but I’m still in protocol for sure,” Keys said. “I’m not full speed right now. It’s really just getting a lot of rehab in. Getting my leg back to feeling like my other leg. So that’s pretty much it.”
Per 247 Sports, Keys missed significant time last season in high school with a knee injury, and so it’s clear that Tennessee is working with him gradually to get back right for the 2026 season.
Despite his rehab and limitations as far as mobility and running, Keys has done his part in the weight room and at the dinner table. He says he’s increased his weight up over 10 pounds since he arrived in Knoxville.
“We added weight. We did a pretty good job. Still going, but yeah, we’re going to get there for sure. I came in at 183. I’m 195. It’s a goal, but I’m not going that far (if he still has room to grow) from 195. I’ve gained a lot of pounds since I’ve been here. So, yeah, I’m almost there.”
As far as when he expects to be full speed, Keys doesn’t have an exact timeline, but he feels like it’s not far off.
“I’m not sure yet. It’s pretty much whenever the trainers feel like they can let me go. But I feel like it’s going to be soon for sure.”
LSU Tigers News
Lane Kiffin steals Tennessee Vols legend from NFL to join him at LSU
A beloved VFL will be on the opposing sideline in Neyland Stadium next fall.
