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Game Preview: No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide vs Tennessee Volunteers

By Matt Melton

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 18: John Metchie III #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs for yardage against the Florida Gators during the second half of a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 18: John Metchie III #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs for yardage against the Florida Gators during the second half of a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
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Alabama Crimson Tide
Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

Tennessee Volunteers Players to Watch

QB Hendon Hooker

The Virginia Tech transfer has been impressive this season after taking over as Tennessee’s starting quarterback accounting for 1,296 yards with 14 touchdowns and an interception through the air, as well as 390 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Injured in last week’s game, Tennessee could feature either Joe Milton III or Harrison Bailey at quarterback if Hooker misses time.

LB Jeremy Banks

Arguably Tennessee’s top player on defense is Banks who leads the Volunteers with 48 tackles and 4.5 sacks on the season. Banks has collected a sack in each of his last three games, as well as 15 tackles against Ole Miss a week ago.

RB Tiyon Evans

Evans leads the Volunteers in rushing having totaled 486 yards and six touchdowns on 73 carries so far this season. Evans has rushed for 100+ yards in three-of-five games this season, as well as having scored in four-of-five.

WR Velus Jones Jr

Tennessee’s top receiver, Jones caught six passes for 93 yards against Ole Miss a week ago. For the season, Jones has totaled 435 yards and three touchdowns on 28 catches.

DB Theo Jackson

Jackson is one of the most-experienced players on the Tennessee defense having collected 46 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and six passes defensed so far this season. The senior totaled nine tackles against Ole Miss a week ago.

DL Matthew Butler

One of the top pass rushers on the Tennessee defensive line, Butler has collected 17 tackles and three sacks on the season, with all three coming across the last two weeks. The senior added six tackles and a sack against Alabama a year ago.

RB Jabari Small

The second of Tennessee’s primary running backs, Small carried the ball 21 times for 92 yards and a touchdown against Ole Miss last week. For the season, Small has rushed for 324 yards and three touchdowns on 65 carries.

WR Cedric Tillman

Tillman has enjoyed a breakout season so far this year totaling 294 yards and three touchdowns on 23 catches. Tillman added seven catches for 84 yards and a touchdown last week against Ole Miss.

LB Aaron Beasley

Beasley has totaled 41 tackles and 1.5 sacks so far this season. The junior collected 10 tackles and a sack a week ago.

DB Trevon Flowers

Flowers had a big game a week ago against Ole Miss collecting nine tackles and an interception. For the season, the senior has collected 45 tackles, an interception, and a pass defense.

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