Vols Receiver Earns SEC Freshman of the Week Honors
Image: Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
By Aidan Sidoti
After being named to the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year watch list last week, Braylon Staley backed it up with his best performance yet.
The redshirt freshman hauled in six receptions for 109 yards in Tennessee’s 34-31 win over Arkansas, including five catches for 105 yards in an explosive first half, earning SEC Freshman of the Week honors.
Staley’s speed and separation gave Arkansas problems early, helping the Vols build momentum against a team they hadn’t beaten in 18 years.
Take a look at this spectacular 42-yard catch from the South Carolina native.
The youngster made that look too easy.
Kicker Max Gilbert also earned recognition, taking home SEC Special Teams Player of the Week.
Gilbert went 2-for-2 on field goals, including a 50-yarder, and converted all four extra points.
As the Vols head deeper into SEC play, the emergence of Staley could be the difference in close matchups down the stretch.
