Last week’s 30-13 win over the Austin Peay Governors raised quite a few concerns for Tennessee Football, but based on who has stepped up the first two weeks and the way the Florida Gators have looked, it’s clear where the matchup advantages are. Here are the five Vols to watch for in The Swamp.
5. Wesley Walker
After finishing strong last year at free safety, Wesley Walker has had a solid start to the 2023 season as the full-time starter there. He came away with a sack last week and displayed his versatility in many ways. Against Florida’s mediocre pro-style offense, Walker will have the opportunity to make many big plays, so he should step up.
4. Jaylen Wright
It’s pretty clear that Jaylen Wright is the best running back on the Vols right now. Jabari Small and Dylan Sampson are both great in their own ways, but Wright is the total package. Florida allowed the Utah Utes to give them issues running the ball even though Utah had no threat in the passing game, so Wright should thrive for UT.
3. Aaron Beasley
With Keenan Pili out, Aaron Beasley turned in a historic performance for Tennessee Football against Austin Peay with five tackles for a loss and two sacks. Staying at weakside linebacker, Tim Banks will send him on tons of complex blitz packages given Graham Mertz’s lack of mobility. As a result, he should have a field day.
2. Joe Milton III
Nothing about the Vols will work on offense if the passing game isn’t clicking. You could mention all the receivers given the drops, but it still starts with Joe Milton III. He has to do a better job of forgetting about the previous play or the process and just go out and make the next play. It’s a mental thing. The Swamp isn’t the best place for that, but he has no choice.
1. James Pearce Jr.
Given Mertz’s lack of mobility and Florida’s horrendous play at offensive tackle, Tennessee Football edge rushers should dominate. That includes Tyler Baron and Roman Harrison, but James Pearce Jr. has been the breakout star so far. Pearce has three sacks through two games, and this game screams for him to become a household name nationally.
