Tennessee adds former USC receiver Velus Jones Jr. as graduate transfer

To say it’s been an active week for Tennessee would be an understatement.

The Volunteers added another transfer on Thursday, taking in Velus Jones Jr. who will transfer from USC. The former three-star recruit made the announcement today.

Jones Jr. will provide veteran depth for Tennessee at the receiver position, something that they don’t have a lot of right now. He will join the team as a grad-transfer with one season left to play and will be immediately eligible.

Tennessee lost Jauan Jennings, Marquez Callaway and Tyler Byrd this season, freeing up a number of snaps at the receiver position. Josh Palmer, Brandon Johnson and Ramel Keyton are the likely beneficiaries, but Jones can provide Tennessee with immediate depth and return ability.

Jones is originally from Saraland, Alabama.

He was used sparingly in USC’s offense with his best season coming in 2018. He caught 24 passes for 266 yards that season, hauling in one touchdown. Jones took a kick return for a touchdown in 2019, but faded out of the receiver rotation.

Now the 6-0, 190 pound receiver will look for a few more opportunities in Knoxville.

Jones joins former five-star prospect Cade Mays and three-star receiver Miles Jones as Tennessee transfers so far this season.