By: Cameron Winfree
The All Vol Call in Show
August 14, 2019
No one on Tennessee’s football has seen more, or been through more, than Jauan Jennings. The former four-star was recruited by Butch Jones’ staff while he was still considered a QB.
Following his arrival to Tennessee, he switched to wide receiver and never looked back. His athleticism made it apparent that he could see the field immediately, so the change in position was necessary.
Jennings was very athletic and was doing very well to start his first year at Tennessee. However, there were reports that he had demanded to be switched to QB, and many thought the outgoing young player was being too outspoken.
Not only did Jennings have to get accustom to playing wide receiver, he also had to adjust to not playing a lot. Most highly ranked recruits are used to playing a lot and being the focal point of a team, when they get to college, that can all change.
The mental aspect of it all was the biggest challenge facing Jennings. He had to not only adjust mentally, but physically as well, because of the position change.
When Jennings finally got over the mental aspect of not playing a lot and the position change, he found success. 2016 was the biggest step forward for Jennings.
That season against Georgia, Jennings made arguably the biggest catch in Tennessee history to beat the Dawgs in Athens, huge catches to help end the streak against Florida and other memorable moments throughout the season.
However, the 2017-2018 season was a hectic one for Jennings. After sustaining and injury early in the season, Jennings was sidelined for the majority of the year.
After some friction between Jennings and interim head coach Brady Hoke, Jennings was kicked off the team. After Pruitt was hired as the new head coach, Jennings worked his way back on to the team.
Luckily for the Vols, Pruitt knows a “junkyard dog” when he sees one, and reinstated Jennings. With a lot to prove and observable development that has taken place, Jennings is poised for a huge 2019-2020 season.