Josh Heupel provides latest on availability of Tiyon Evans, JaVonta Payton

Last week, Tennessee was without its leading rusher in Tiyon Evans and one of its top receiver targets in JaVonta Payton. Volunteers coach Josh Heupel discussed their availability for this week’s game against South Alabama — and provided a vague update.

Evans leads Tennessee with 525 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 81 carries. He missed last week’s loss to No. 1 Georgia, as did Payton, who’s the Vols’ third-leading receiver. Heupel said a final decision on the duo will be made on Friday.

“You guys know that Friday is when we make those final decisions,” Heupel told reporters. “[Aaron] Beasley’s continued to get better. We’ll see where he’s at tomorrow. Tiyon wasn’t able to do much today. He probably won’t be able to go tomorrow. JaVonta has continued to get better throughout the week. We usually make all those decisions on Friday.”

Tennessee is 5-5 overall this year, just one win away from bowl eligibility in Heupel’s first season. It’s been quite a turnaround from last year’s 3-7 campaign.

The Volunteers have a good chance to get that sixth win this week with a matchup against South Alabama. Kickoff for that game is coming up Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU.

Josh Heupel addresses concern over Tiyon Evans injury

First-year Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel found some gems in the transfer portal, helping lead a program decimated by outgoing players and coaches back to 5-5 in his first season. One key addition was junior running back Tiyon Evans, who has emerged as an SEC caliber playmaker with big upside.

After dealing with an ankle injury earlier this season, Evans left the field against Kentucky. He then missed the Georgia game too. Heading into the final weeks of the season, Josh Heupel provided a brief update on Tiyon Evans.

“I don’t,” Heupel said on Wednesday’s SEC teleconference. “You know me, we typically wait until the end of the week before we make a decision on any of our guys.”

When asked a follow up about the nature of Tiyon Evans’ injury, and whether he could miss extended time, Josh Heupel provided an even shorter answer.

“I don’t believe that’s the case,” said Heupel.

Evans has played in seven games in his first season at Tennessee. The junior college transfer has 521 rushing yards with six touchdowns on 81 carries, adding 74 receiving yards and a touchdown. He split time with emerging back Jabari Small, creating a potent one-two punch for the Volunteers.