5 under-the-radar Vols players that need to have a great game for Tennessee to beat Texas
The Tennessee Volunteers are hoping to knock off the No. 1 Texas Longhorns on Saturday afternoon in Neyland Stadium.
Tennessee’s star players will need to show up on Saturday for the Vols to have a legitimate shot at beating Texas.
Quarterback Faizon Brandon, running back DeSean Bishop, wide receivers Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley, left tackle David Sanders, defensive lineman Xavier Gilliam, and linebacker Arion Carter will need to have great games for the Vols to pull the upset.
Those guys, however, can’t do it all by themselves. Some of Tennessee’s players that are lesser known on the national level will also need to have a great game on Saturday.
5 under-the-radar Vols that need to step up against Texas
Sophomore tight end DaSaahn Brame: With Ethan Davis out for the year, it means that more will be expected from Brame. The sophomore has the talent to be a problem in the passing game, but his biggest impact on Saturday may come as a blocker. Brame, along with South Alabama transfer Trent Thomas, will be counted on to help run block against the talented Texas defensive line.
Senior defensive lineman Jordan Norman: Norman has two sacks despite seeing limited action through the first three games of the season. The Tulane transfer, however, is expected to be unleashed against Texas. Pressuring Texas quarterback Arch Manning will be a big key in this game for the Vols, and Norman will be an important part of Tennessee’s pass rushing attack.
Sophomore wide receiver Radarious Jackson: It can’t be just Matthews and Staley making plays in the passing game. Jackson will likely be called upon at some point, too. The Memphis native made a huge third down catch in the Vols’ win against Georgia Tech earlier this month (when the game was still close), so we know he can make plays in big moments. But Saturday against Texas will be the biggest moment he’s seen in his college career. Tennessee has to hit the layups when they’re available.
Senior offensive lineman Donovan Haslam: Right guard has been an issue at times this season for Tennessee. The Vols’ best combination features Haslam at right guard, but conditioning has been a concern. Haslam is expected to play more snaps against Texas. The Vols need as many high-level snaps as possible from Haslam on Saturday.
Senior cornerback Kayin Lee: Lee is a player that NFL scouts love, but he hasn’t had to do much so far during his first three games at Tennessee. But that will change against Texas. The Longhorns have a couple of the most talented wide receivers in the nation in Ryan Wingo and Cam Coleman.
Lee knows Coleman well from their time at Auburn, but this will be his first time facing him in a game. Limiting the production of Coleman and Wingo is a must for the Vols to win this game. Lee can also help his draft stock significantly with a good game against those two.
