It was a Senior Day to remember for many Vols playing their final regular season home game for Tennessee, but the top standout performers were some of UT’s biggest stars. Still, before we recognize the torchbearers from the Vols’ 56-0 win over the UTEP Miners, let’s remember those notable seniors for a second.
Bru McCoy had two touchdowns, Cooper Mays and Javontez Spraggins paved the way for over 200 yards rushing, and Omari Thomas had a tackle for a loss. They are some of the most beloved seniors in UT history and helped to restore the program. Here, though are the five best players from the game.
5. Jermod McCoy
When it was still a game, the best lockdown cornerback in a long time for the Vols managed to step up and make a huge play. Jermod McCoy intercepted a pass from UTEP on the Miners’ second offensive possession. There was still no score, so UTEP easily could have stolen the momentum early, but McCoy made a huge play instead.
4. Rickey Gibson III
After the Vols went up 7-0, it was Rickey Gibson III’s turn to shine as a cornerback. Gibson forced a fumble that was recovered by Dominic Bailey to set up another UT touchdown and begin the onslaught. He also finished the game with a tackle for a loss and a pass breakup, so he pretty much did everything a corner is supposed to do.
3. Boo Carter
Speaking of giving Tennessee short fields, Boo Carter is a third defensive back on his list, but his play in the secondary, while admirable with a team-leading six tackles, five solo, and half a tackle for a loss, is not why he’s here. It’s his punt returning that puts him on here, as he set up two Vols touchdowns thanks to 18 and 38 yard punt returns respectively. He finished with three returns for 61 yards.
2. Nico Iamaleava
After starting 2-of-6, Nico Iamaleava went 15-of-17 the rest of the way en route to throwing a career-high four touchdown passes. He threw for 209 yards and rushed for another 36. Sure, Dylan Sampson gets a shoutout for over 100 yards from scrimmage, again, but Iamaleava was far and away the star of the offense for the Vols.
1. James Pearce Jr.
While he’s not out of eligibility, it probably was James Pearce Jr.’s last regular season home game with the Vols, and he put on a show, finishing with two sacks, one on a key fourth down stop. Pearce also assisted on a tackle for a loss. Although he seemed to get hurt late, he was fine on the sideline at the end of the game.
