See what ESPN's analysts said in a scouting report for two of Tennessee's exciting incoming freshman receivers from the 2026 cycle.
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“Keys does not have elite top-end speed, but his size, range and skills on the jump-ball are outstanding. A favorable comparison is former Vols receiver Chris Brazzell II. Tennessee can use Keys’ length, long arms and physicality to create matchups inside or outside, especially in Josh Heupel’s system that isolates bigger bodies on smaller corners,” ESPN writes. “He has very good body control and coordination when elevated, making him dangerous even when covered. He might not win many footraces, but on deep shots off play-action and versus zone from the slot, he can sit in windows, box out defenders and become a chain-moving, red zone go-to target"
“One of the fastest players in the 2026 class, King should spark Tennessee as a slot, deep threat and return specialist. He has posted a 4.39 laser-timed 40 and a 21.5 mph max speed, numbers that match what the Vols have leaned on to stress defenses horizontally and vertically. King complements Tristen Keys but is a different type of weapon — built like DeSean Jackson: lean, agile and elite in a straight line,” ESPN writes. “In Heupel’s up-tempo, spread passing game, where the ball is often snapped before defenses can adjust, King can take the top off the defense on choice routes and slot fades. He must get bigger and stronger to handle SEC traffic over the middle, but Tennessee needs his speed on the field early on offense and in the return game.”
