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Here are the five players Tennessee fans should pay attention to in Week 2 against Arkansas State:
1. Justin Worley, QB
Justin Worley is coming off a career day against Utah State. The senior threw for 273 yards and three touchdowns on 27-of-38 passing. Worley’s performance will be under the microscope the entire season and Week 2 will be no exception. The quarterback will have to prove that Sunday’s game was no fluke and he’s truly the best option for the Vols this season. He will face a talented Arkansas State secondary that features two preseason Thorpe award nominees.
2. Jalen Hurd, RB
Jalen Hurd didn’t put up all-world numbers in his collegiate debut. He did, however, played solid considering his even split of 11 carries a piece with Marlin Lane and year of absence from in-game action. Hurd was even better at catching passes, recording a 15-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter. Neither running back has emerged as the clear favorite to become the feature back moving forward. Against Arkansas State, the freshman could see his first breakout game in orange and white.
3. Derek Barnett, DE
Derek Barnett became the first true freshman to start a Tennessee home opener at defensive end this past Sunday. The explosive pass rusher dominated the Vols’ offseason and impressed coaches enough to earn a starting role. Barnett pressured quarterback Chuckie Keeton in his debut and will attempt to do the same against Fredi Knighten this weekend. Vol fans should take an interest in whether the defensive end of the future is already prepared to dominate.
4. A.J. Johnson, LB
Entering the season, A.J. Johnson was expected to produce. After all, the senior enjoyed three-straight seasons of dominance in Knoxville and decided to return for one more chance at a winning season. Johnson dominated against Utah State and will likely do the same on Saturday. He will play a crucial role in containing the mobile Knighten and should be expected to have another big game this weekend.
5. Jalen Reeves-Maybin, LB
Jalen Reeves-Maybin made an impressive debut at outside linebacker last weekend. After seeing time on special teams as a true freshman, the former four-star athlete made an impressive sophomore debut, leading the Vols with 10 tackles. Reeves-Maybin benefited from playing alongside Johnson and fellow outside linebacker Curt Maggitt. Coming off a stellar performance, the sophomore will receive even more attention in Week 2.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
