Tennessee WR Travis Smith Jr. (Ryan Sylvia | RTI)
It looks like Tennessee football will be getting one of its freshman receivers back from injury for its trip to play Florida. Travis Smith Jr. was not listed on the availability report on Wednesday, likely indicating his return from an injury suffered earlier this season.
However, the Vols will be without another freshman receiver for the trip. Slot receiver Joakim Dodson was listed as out for the game. He did not play in last week’s 42-9 win over New Mexico State, either.
Smith has totaled three receptions for 29 yards in his freshman season. He appeared in the opening five games of the season, but his injury at Mississippi State has forced him to watch from the sideline since. He was a four-star prospect out of high school and one of the best recruits out of Georgia.
Dodson was an in-state recruit who didn’t enroll at Tennessee until the start of fall camp. He has played in three games, wins over ETSU, UAB and Kentucky, on the offensive side of the ball. He has posted two catches for 38 yards.
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Tennessee hasn’t gone to its backups at receiver much this year, though. Instead, it’s relied on the breakout trio of Chris Brazzell, Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley. When one comes off the field, a lot of the time, UT has gone to 12 personnel instead.
However, with Miles Kitselman ruled out for the game, there is an increased chance that the Vols would go to Smith or fellow freshman Radarious Jackson on the outside. Jackson has played a good bit this year, though he battled an injury himself.
In the slot, Tennessee gave a single snap to Malcolm Kinzer and Nathan Roberts each once the game got out of hand.
The game against Florida is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET and will air on ABC.