Vols Receivers Coach Kelsey Pope Likes Receivers Talent Pool
(utsports.com)
– Tennessee football continued its spring practice slate Monday with its ninth official session of the semester, holding an individual workout inside the Anderson Training Center.
Following the workout, pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope met with the media to discuss the development of his unit, pointing to noticeable strides from several key contributors.
Pope highlighted the growth of returning receivers Radarious Jackson and Travis Smith Jr., noting their progression over the past 12 months as they head into their sophomore campaigns.
“Both of them are playing fast … they’re both urgent; they’re both competitive. Both of their bodies are changing a lot; they look like completely different people than a year ago.”
Freshman TK Keys arrived in January as one of the top prospects in the country and has made an early impression this spring, particularly with his approach and preparation.
“From a readiness standpoint and a preparation standpoint, he’s been as good of a freshman as I’ve been around,” Pope said. “He’s competitive, he cares, he’s a sponge, he wants to go over the little things.”
In addition to individual development, Pope praised the leadership of Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley, who have emerged as tone-setters within the receiver room. The duo, along with Chris Brazzell II, combined for a monster season in 2025, as Tennessee was the only school in the country with three receivers over the 800-yard mark last season.
“It feels like just yesterday they were coming in here, and they were the younger guys that everyone wanted to know about. But it’s gratifying to see those kids come in with big eyes, curiosity and not really knowing what’s to come,” Pope said. “Now they’re preaching the same things that I’m preaching … I’m super proud of the way that they have taken on that role off the field.”
As Tennessee continues through spring practice, Monday’s individual-focused session provided another opportunity for growth, with the wide receiver group continuing to blend experience, leadership and emerging talent as the program works toward the Orange & White Game on Saturday, April 11.
