Tennessee transfer commit visiting Big 12, SEC schools

Former Wyoming wide receiver Isaiah Neyor committed to Tennessee on Jan. 8 but has continued taking visits across the country. According to On3’s Gerry Hamilton, he visited Ole Miss from Jan. 12-14 and spent Tuesday night with Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian as part of an in-home visit ahead of a trip to Austin, Texas on Wednesday.

Throughout his time in the portal, the 6-foot-3 wide receiver has been heavily recruited. However, he chose Tennessee over teams like USC, Baylor, TCU, Texas and Florida earlier this month. As Isaiah Neyor continues visiting schools on and off the original list, it also provides time for those coaches to pitch their case for second consideration.

In his first season at Wyoming, Neyor did not make much noise, finishing with eight receptions for 248 yards as a freshman. Still, Neyor remained unfazed — leading to All-Mountain West Conference honors in his second season after hauling in 48 passes for 878 yards and 12 touchdowns in 13 games.

Moreover, Neyor shined throughout the second half of the 2021 season. In Wyoming’s final six games, the star receiver caught 24 passes for 533 yards and eight touchdowns. Neyor had a touchdown in each of the final six contests.

Tennessee loses two wide receivers

Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr announced his decision to enter the 2022 NFL Draft, according to a post on his social media page. The redshirt senior played two seasons with the Volunteers after spending his first four seasons at USC.

Over six college seasons, Velus Jones Jr played 59 games between USC and Tennessee, starring in his role as wide receiver and return specialist. He recently received an invitation to the 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl and was named to the organization’s Senior Bowl All-American team as a punt returner.

Over his four seasons at USC, he caught 36 passes for 347 yards and one touchdown, adding a rushing touchdown and a kick return touchdown. After transferring to Tennessee in 2020, Jones caught 84 passes for 1,087 yards and 10 touchdowns over two seasons, adding another kick return touchdown.

Tennessee wide receiver JaVonta Payton, who spent one year with the Volunteers, also announced that he is declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft.

Payton caught 18 passes for 413 yards and six touchdowns this season with Tennessee. He averaged 22.9 yards per reception, which led all SEC receivers. Prior to his days at Tennessee, Payton played in JUCO, and also at Mississippi State. In two years with the Bulldogs, Payton caught 28 passes for 372 yards and a touchdown.