Big Orange Report July 24, 2025

Meet the Vols 2025

Wide Receivers

Position Coach-- Kelsey Pope

All Star Candidate-- Chris Brazzell

Chris Brazzell- Red Shirt Junior (6-5, 205, 4.6) from Midland, Texas (Transfer from Tulane)-- The only true veteran in the wide receiver room this year, Brazzell was the leading receiver and all-conference selection following a stellar season at Tulane in 2023. He struggled at times a year ago but should be ready to be a go-to target for Vol quarterbacks this fall. He had 29 receptions for 333 yards and two touchdowns in 2024 but one of those TD catches was a game winning grab on a 16 yard throw in the corner of the endzone against Alabama. For his career, Brazzell has caught 74 passes for 1055 yards and seven touchdowns. He is a strong, tall target that can work the middle of the field for the Vol offense.

Mike Matthews-- Sophomore (6-1, 200, 4.5) from Lilburn, Georgia-- One of the highest rated receiver recruits ever signed by Tennessee, Matthews checked in as a five star, top three wideout on the ESPN charts. He was an Under Armour All American that received 11 SEC offers and two dozen more from Power 5 schools. He labored through a spotty freshman campaign in '24 when he was a reserve. He caught just seven passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns. Three of those receptions and one TD catch came in the win over Vanderbilt. Bottom line here is that the offensive staff needs Matthews to step up, big time, this season and become a marquee player in the passing game. He is very athletic, has elite ball skills and the door is wide open for him to become a primary target.

Braylon Staley-- Red Shirt Freshman (6-0, 190, 4.45) from Aiken, South Carolina-- Staley signed with the Vols after a spectacular senior year in high school when he grabbed 69 passes for 1116 yards and 14 touchdowns. He helped lead his team to a 4A state title in talent rich Georgia and was listed by the services as a top 20 wide receiver prospect. Staley is agile and fast. He was the 4A state champion in the 200 meter dash in track. He saw action in just four games last season to preserve his red shirt freshman status. He was slowed by minor injury but was pressed into duty in the playoff matchup with Ohio State and he caught two passes. Right now he looks like the leading candidate to start as the slot receiver for UT when the Vols take on Syracuse.

Amari Jefferson-- Red Shirt Freshman (6-0, 205, 4.5) from Chattanooga (Transfer from Alabama)-- Jefferson sat out his one year at Alabama with an injury before coming home to East Tennessee. His final season at Baylor School was impressive. He pulled down 74 passes for 1401 yards and 20 six-pointers. He was tabbed Mr. Football in his classification and Max Preps named him the Tennessee High School Player of the Year. He was still rehabbing from his injury during spring drills in Knoxville but Coach Pope is hoping that Jefferson will be ready for full speed practices next month. He has a golden opportunity to make a big splash if he is healthy.

Travis Smith-- Freshman (6-4, 210, 4.45) from Atlanta--  An early enrollee that turned some heads during spring drills, Smith is an athletic, tall and physical pass receiver that one media observer in Knoxville called one of the standouts during practice sessions. He was ranked the No. 9 outside pass receiver prospect in the nation by On3 and checked in at No. 16 on the ESPN charts. He posted some impressive numbers during his final year of high school ball when he caught 64 passes for 1320 yards and 15 touchdowns. Smith has a golden opportunity to join the rotation at wideout next month.

Radarious Jackson-- Freshman (6-2, 195, 4.5) from Cordova, Tn. -- A two-way player in high school, Jackson is a versatile athlete with good length and quick feet. His last two seasons of high school football, he accounted for 3025 yards on offense and totaled 140 tackles and 13 interceptions on defense. After the 2023 season, he was named Tennessee's Class 3A Mr. Football. Jackson was a four-star rated prospect by both On3 and ESPN. Like Smith, he has a chance to earn early playing time with a solid showing in fall camp.

Position Summary

Obviously, this is the position room that has the biggest question marks heading into the 2025 season. With only one experienced receiver on the roster, the staff needs younger guys to grow up quickly next month. Matthews, Staley, Smith, Jackson and Jefferson are outstanding athletes but will that translate to production on the big stage? Defensive standout Boo Carter is an option if he is needed and he wants to be a two-way player for the Vols. 

The Big Orange Report is brought to you by: