Jauan Jennings is key piece of Tennessee football's offense

This is part of a series counting down the 10 most important Vols for the 2019 season.

No. 10

WR Jauan Jennings

2018 stats: 30 receptions, 438 yards, three touchdowns

Why he matters

Jauan Jennings stands out as a wide receiver on Tennessee’s roster. He’s a big target who makes plays in the middle of the field. Tennessee has downfield perimeter threats such as Marquez Callaway and Josh Palmer and speedy slot options such as Jordan Murphy. But no other UT receiver relishes contact like the 6-foot-3, 208-pound Jennings. Plus, he’s a good run blocker.

Jennings’ physical presence is a rallying point for his teammates.

“The first thing I look for is toughness, and the will to win, and it starts with 15,” wide receivers coach Tee Martin said in April, referring to Jennings by his number. “He’s been a solid force for a lot of years, and he’s the guy at practice that gets guys going. When we need a play to be made, he steps up and makes the play.”

Jennings' Tennessee career has been a wild ride. The Murfreesboro native's highlight season came as a sophomore in 2016. He caught 40 passes that year – none bigger than hauling in Joshua Dobbs’ Hail Mary for a touchdown that lifted the Vols to a 34-31 victory over Georgia.

Jennings played in just one game the following season because he dislocated his wrist in the opener. In November 2017, interim coach Brady Hoke, in conjunction with then-athletics director John Currie, dismissed Jennings from the team after a profanity-laced rant, during which he eviscerated the coaching staff, that he posted to social media.

Jeremy Pruitt became Tennessee’s coach in December 2017 and reinstated Jennings that winter.

Injuries hampered Jennings in the buildup to last season, but he played in every game. He was at his best in the middle of the season, catching five passes in a 30-24 victory over Auburn before posting season highs of six receptions for 102 yards the next week in a 58-21 loss to Alabama.

Jennings looked healthier during the spring, and he capped it with five catches for 57 yards with two touchdowns during the spring game.

“I feel 150% a new player, so I can’t wait,” Jennings said in April.

Jennings suffered a summer knee injury that required surgery, according to multiple reports, but Pruitt said last week his senior wide receiver is fine.

If Jennings can recapture his 2016 form, he gives quarterback Jarrett Guarantano a dependable target to supplement Callaway, the team’s top receiver.

Blake Toppmeyer covers University of Tennessee football. Email him at blake.toppmeyer@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @btoppmeyer. If you enjoy Blake’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.