The Heupel Effect: Tillman, Payton & Jones

[kamoshika]

It must be really gratifying for these guys to have their talents more fully utilized, as their production has exploded this year.

In this trio's college careers prior to this season, with a total of 95 game appearances, they had a combined 1,123 receiving yards and 6 TDs on 94 receptions. That's a pace of 1 TD every 15.7 catches.

This year, they've gained 1,443 yards and scored 16 TDs on 86 catches (27 games collectively). That's a TD every 5.4 catches.

Cedric Tillman

• 2018-20: 8 catches for 124 yards & 1 TD (25 games)
• 2021: 36-525-5 (9 games)

JaVonta Payton

• 2019 & 2020: 28-372-1 (22 games @ Mississippi State)
• 2021: 14-365-6 (9 games)

Velus Jones

• 2016-19: 36-347-1 (38 games @ Southern Cal)
• 2020: 22-280-3 (10 games)
• 2021: 36-553-5 (9 games)

 

[17Vols]

this will def draw the attention of elite receivers and help recruiting. I really hope it attracts some big time TEs too.

 

[hUTch2002]

We’re just scratching the surface. I can see improvement in this group and I can’t wait for even better days ahead as you know we will catch the eye of some top WR prospects.

 

[bpalmer28]

Tillman was clutch last night. The catch inside the 5 and the two on the sideline to end the first half were money. He has exceeded my expectations

 

[VAVol85]

Tillman was clutch last night. The catch inside the 5 and the two on the sideline to end the first half were money. He has exceeded my expectations

The end zone catch was a beauty too - on both ends, QB and WR.

 

[The Original Fade]

Keyton and Calloway have been non factors. Anyone know why? Thought these guys were good pick ups in recruiting, hoped they would contribute more at this point.

 

[bpalmer28]

Only a matter of time before we produce one of the top WRs taken in the draft.

 

[RockyTop140]

I’d be shocked if we didn’t recruit well on the offensive side of the ball. Even with looming sanctions the thought of playing in an offense that puts up numbers like this has to be pretty tempting. If we got a couple of big time 5 star receivers, they would have field days. And if we can recruit OL well too, we’d have a balanced offense that can gash you at will.

 

[TitanicVolz]

Hyatt would have to be far and away the most disappointing.With his speed and production in high school really thought he was tailor made for an offense like this.Seems he had his shots just hasn't delivered much,which is unfortunate.As always its next man up glad to see Tillman And Velus capitalize on their opportunities.

 

[butchna]

It must be really gratifying for these guys to have their talents more fully utilized, as their production has exploded this year.

In this trio's college careers prior to this season, with a total of 95 game appearances, they had a combined 1,123 receiving yards and 6 TDs on 94 receptions. That's a pace of 1 TD every 15.7 catches.

This year, they've gained 1,443 yards and scored 16 TDs on 86 catches (27 games collectively). That's a TD every 5.4 catches.

Cedric Tillman

• 2018-20: 8 catches for 124 yards & 1 TD (25 games)
• 2021: 36-525-5 (9 games)

JaVonta Payton

• 2019 & 2020: 28-372-1 (22 games @ Mississippi State)
• 2021: 14-365-6 (9 games)

Velus Jones

• 2016-19: 36-347-1 (38 games @ Southern Cal)
• 2020: 22-280-3 (10 games)
• 2021: 36-553-5 (9 games)

And all this with a fluid QB situation that improves every game. HH makes the right move and returns, other beneficiaries earn the term.

 

[butchna]

Hyatt would have to be far and away the most disappointing.With his speed and production in high school really thought he was tailor made for an offense like this.Seems he had his shots just hasn't delivered much,which is unfortunate.As always its next man up glad to see Tillman And Velus capitalize on their opportunities.

Got to add a layer of muscle. That 40 yarder that coulda been a 70 showed physical improvement but also how far he has to go.

 

[DuckInAPen]

Keyton and Calloway have been non factors. Anyone know why? Thought these guys were good pick ups in recruiting, hoped they would contribute more at this point.

Good question. It's because of situations like theirs that I'm not too worried about recruiting at this point. For years we've signed highly-rated players who have far underperformed their ratings (doubtless due to poor coaching and culture). I'm happy to watch Heupel "coach up" underdogs for the time being. Eventually, the right talent -- the kind that wants to be "coached up" -- will be drawn to Heupel, as it is to Barnes.

 

[Other_Guy]

Kodi Burns says hi.

 

[DiderotsGhost]

Tillman's transformation this year has been amazing! He's clearly the player on the roster that has benefited the most from Heupel coming in.

We heard for years that he was impressive in practice but he barely saw any action on the field under Pruitt. Suddenly this year, he's arguably become our #1 receiver (or at least, him and Velus Jones are pretty close as #1)!

 

[lukeneyland]

The end zone catch was a beauty too - on both ends, QB and WR.

The route scheme was beautiful. They were terrified of us taking inside leverage and we capitalized on it. This is the greatest offensive coach we’ve ever had.

 

[OrangeTsar]

this will def draw the attention of elite receivers and help recruiting. I really hope it attracts some big time TEs too.

I hope a lot of top notch HS receivers were watching last night. Unfortunately we were not the main ticket for the 1900 EDST game last night. Hopefully too the kids weren’t driven away by that broadcast crew

 

[OrangeTsar]

The route scheme was beautiful. They were terrified of us taking inside leverage and we capitalized on it. This is the greatest offensive coach we’ve ever had.

So far, all indications are that you are correct in that assessment

 

[West Vol]

Here’s the thing. The staff was not high on this WR group heading into the season. Maybe they’ve rethought that - I truly don’t know - but if this is still a disappointing unit by their standards… could be really nice when they get their guys in place. Also, they’ve got a guy who was previously mediocre at best ACC QB playing himself into a chance at the pros. If Tayven Jackson is as skilled as advertised…

Enough potential to make me want to use multiple ellipses. Still need to get the OL recruiting going and find someone to replace Tiyon.

 

[J C Higgins]

Got to add a layer of muscle. That 40 yarder that coulda been a 70 showed physical improvement but also how far he has to go.

Not necessarily. Same size as DeVonta Smith. And Randy Moss wasn't especially muscular.... 6'4" 195 in college.

 

[37620VOL]

Keyton and Calloway have been non factors. Anyone know why? Thought these guys were good pick ups in recruiting, hoped they would contribute more at this point.

Next year will be their year.

 

[PEPPERJAX]

Payton`s production this year is mind boggling. He is basically scoring a TD every other reception .JP only has 14 grabs so far. Just imagine if had 30 receptions. Our WRs are tearing it up.

 

[rdk4121]

Keyton and Calloway have been non factors. Anyone know why? Thought these guys were good pick ups in recruiting, hoped they would contribute more at this point.

Calloway was a factor early, but it almost seems like he's been in the doghouse since his big drop on 4th down against Florida. Keyton plays a little, but that's about it. Hardly any targets. Our top 3 are really good is the problem.

 

[West Vol]

Keyton and Calloway have been non factors. Anyone know why? Thought these guys were good pick ups in recruiting, hoped they would contribute more at this point.

Calloway is in the doghouse.

I think Keyton just doesn’t have it.

 

[farmdogvol]

Keyton and Calloway have been non factors. Anyone know why? Thought these guys were good pick ups in recruiting, hoped they would contribute more at this point.

Because the top 3 have been so dominate all year. Their time will come the last 2 games getting them ready for next year

 

[give_him 6]

I love this group of receivers. They are unselfish and just go to work every week. Payton has been a very good addition. So happy for Velus and Tillman to see them have success.