The high ankle sprain that will likely sideline Gerald Jones for four to six weeks is probably the second most significant injury the Tennessee Volunteers could suffer. With an already depleted receiving corps, Gerald Jones was clearly the most game-ready wide out on the team, and it wasn't really even close. Brandon Warren is advancing by leaps and bounds; Nu'Keese Richardson and Marsalis Teague are further along than any Tennessee fan is conditioned to believe freshmen could be; Quintin Hancock is turning a slow start into a nice finish for fall camp, but the team always looked to Jones to provide the leadership and stability in the wide receiver corps.
Even with a cast on, Jones had been making many spectacular catches in practices and weekend scrimmages. The guy flat-out knew how to catch the ball, and how to get himself available. He was Jonathan Crompton's number one target and the player most likely to keep the opposing safeties honest.
Ladies and gents, here is your receiving corps for the opener against Western Kentucky (as of today):
- Brandon Warren
- Quintin Hancock
- Marsalis Teague
- Nu'Keese Richardson
- Zach Rogers
- Todd Campbell
MIA:
- Gerald Jones
- Denarius Moore
- Austin Rogers
We're about to find out just how easy it is to learn the Lane Kiffin offense. Go Vols.