KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A day after being named to the Coaches All-SEC teams, Tennessee’s senior duo of Velus Jones Jr. and Cade Mays garnered more postseason recognition on Wednesday, earning spots on the Associated Press All-SEC teams.
Jones was named to the first team as an all-purpose player and is just the third UT player since 2013 to earn first-team honors from the league’s coaches and the AP in the same season, joining Derek Barnett (2016) and Trey Smith (2019 & 2020).
The Saraland, Alabama, native has been one of the SEC’s top playmakers this season. Jones is the only player in the nation with 700-plus receiving yards (722), 500-plus kickoff return yards (506) and 200-plus punt return yards (272). He ranks third in the SEC in all-purpose yards, averaging 126.3 per game.
A dynamic return man as well, Jones leads the SEC in punt return average (16.0) and ranks second in kickoff return average (28.1). His 2,851 career kickoff return yards lead all active FBS players. The redshirt senior was named the SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Year by the coaches on Wednesday, as well.
Jones has also had a career year on the offensive side of the ball, setting career highs in receptions (52), receiving yards (722) and touchdown catches (six), all of which rank second on the team and top 12 in the SEC.
Mays earned second-team honors from the AP after also being named to the All-SEC second team by the coaches. The versatile senior lineman was named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week twice this season following standout performances in wins at Missouri and Kentucky. The Knoxville native helped anchor UT’s offensive line as the team’s starting right tackle. According to PFF.com, Mays was the Vols’ highest-graded offensive lineman this season and allowed just one sack and five pressures in 493 offensive snaps played.
With Mays leading the way on the o-line, Tennessee finished the year ranked fourth in the SEC and 16th nationally in total offense (459.0 ypg). UT’s rushing attack was especially effective, ranking third in the conference and 19th in the country with 212.0 rushing yards per contest. The Big Orange also ranked third in the league and ninth in the FBS in scoring offense, averaging 38.8 points per game.
To see the full AP All-SEC teams, click HERE.
Tennessee will conclude its 2021 campaign with a trip to Nashville for the TransPerfect Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 at Nissan Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. ET and tickets can be purchased by visiting the Music City Bowl’s website or by clicking HERE.
Existing season ticket holders can renew their tickets for the 2022 season now by visiting AllVols.com. Fans wishing to purchase new season tickets for the 2022 season can submit a request by clicking HERE.
2021 Tennessee Postseason Honors
P Paxton Brooks
CoSIDA Academic All-District III – First Team
DL Matthew Butler
CoSIDA Academic All-District III – First Team
DB Theo Jackson
Coaches All-SEC – Second Team (Defensive Back)
WR/RS Velus Jones Jr.
SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Year
Coaches All-SEC – First Team (All-Purpose, Return Specialist)
AP All-SEC – First Team (All-Purpose)
Reese’s Senior Bowl All-American (Punt Returner)
Reese’s Senior Bowl Invitee
OL Cade Mays
Coaches All-SEC – Second Team (Offensive Line)
AP All-SEC – Second Team (Offensive Line)
DB Alontae Taylor
Reese’s Senior Bowl Invitee
-UT Athletics
