Prominent NFL draft analyst says Tennessee Vols standout is not a ‘one trick pony’
There’s been a lot of talk over the last several months about wide receivers that come from the Tennessee Vols’ offense. Wide receivers that played at Tennessee under Josh Heupel (Velus Jones, Jalin Hyatt, Cedric Tillman) have struggled to find consistent success in the NFL in recent seasons, leading to questions about how UT’s offense […]
There’s been a lot of talk over the last several months about wide receivers that come from the Tennessee Vols’ offense.
Wide receivers that played at Tennessee under Josh Heupel (Velus Jones, Jalin Hyatt, Cedric Tillman) have struggled to find consistent success in the NFL in recent seasons, leading to questions about how UT’s offense prepares players for the next level.
It’s a small sample size, so it’s probably not wise to make sweeping judgements about how Tennessee’s offense prepares players for the NFL.
However, it’s still a talking point — especially for programs that recruit against Tennessee.
The Vols need a wide receiver to break out in a big way in the NFL for the narrative about Tennessee’s offense to change.
Vols redshirt junior Chris Brazzell II could be the guy that finally breaks through at the next level.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler likes what he’s seen from Tennessee Vols wide receiver Chris Brazzell
Brazzell is off to a terrific start this season for the Vols, catching 20 passes for 364 yards and five touchdowns through the first three games of the season.
Almost half of Brazzell’s production this season came in Tennessee’s loss to Georgia this past weekend. Brazzell caught six passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns in the loss to the Bulldogs.
Brazzell’s performance impressed The Athletic’s Dane Brugler.
“His downfield speed, tracking skills and ability to adjust and finish were on full display, as he posted two touchdown catches of 50-plus yards (against Georgia),” noted Brugler.
“Brazzell releases off the line and immediately shifts into top gear with the vertical balance to sell the go route,” continued Brugler. “Without tipping his break, he flips his hips at 15 yards and makes a sharp out cut that the cornerback cannot match. The result is a perfectly executed deep out to create separation and move the chains. Most tall, long-legged receivers lack the short-area footwork to make it look this clean, but Brazzell is no one-trick pony.”
Brazzell, who is 6-foot-5, is the son of former New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Chris Brazzell.
The talented wide receiver has the measurables and the pedigree to be a star wide receiver. Maybe Brazzell will be the first Tennessee wide receiver to come from the Heupel system and star in the NFL.
Tennessee Volunteers News
Vols legend Al Wilson leaves no doubt how he feels about Tennessee football after overtime loss to Georgia
Tennessee Vols legend Al Wilson left no doubt about how he feels about the state of the UT football program after a 44-41 overtime loss to the Georgia Bulldogs. The Volunteers nearly pulled off the upset against Georgia, but Tennessee kicker Max Gilbert missed a potential game-winning 43-yard field goal at the end of regulation, […]
