Tennessee's Marquez Callaway 'trying to make a name for myself'
Tennessee’s Marquez Callaway took his one big opportunity and ran with it.
Given a chance to play against Tennessee Tech as a true freshman last season, Callaway made his only catch of the season and returned two punts for 114 yards.
He returned the second punt 62 yards for a touchdown, eliciting a wild sideline celebration from his teammates despite the blowout nature of the victory.
But Callaway didn’t get any more touches in the remaining games, a fact that motivated him entering spring practice last week. The wide receiver/kick returner wants to demonstrate he can perform more consistently against the bigger-name programs in 2017.
“It was different coming in and not playing, but that's part of the process,” Callaway said after practice last Thursday. “I learned a lot, and I’m thankful for that come this year to try to show what I can do.”
UT’s receiving corps will need more contributors to step forward and make plays with leading receiver Josh Malone having left early for the NFL draft.
Junior Jauan Jennings is the leading returning receiver with 40 catches for 580 yards and seven touchdowns. After Jennings, there is a steep drop-off in proven production.
Sophomore Tyler Byrd is next with 15 catches followed by redshirt senior Josh Smith with 13 and sophomore Brandon Johnson with seven.
►Related: 5 things we learned from UT's 1st week of spring practice
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Callaway is hoping UT’s younger receivers, which includes redshirt freshman Latrell Williams, can use the experience gained last season to keep UT’s passing offense a threat.
“Looking up at Malone and Jauan, all the older guys, they all set a high standard,” Callaway said. “Looking up to them last year when I was just under their footsteps, they kind of carried me up and carried all the younger guys — me, Latrell, Tyler and Brandon.”
Callaway was a four-star recruit out of Warner Robins High School in Georgia. He was listed as an athlete after playing defensive back and receiver.
Callaway grew up in a military family with his mother, father, grandmother and uncle all serving and his brother currently serving.
His outgoing personality has endeared him to UT coaches, support staff and teammates as evidenced by the celebration after his punt return touchdown last season.
Callaway thought his breakout performance may lead to a bigger role on special teams.
“When I first did it, in the moment I thought I could be the one,” Callaway said. “But then again, the day we came back for practice we had to restart. Cam Sutton and Alvin (Kamara), I always asked them questions and always bugged them about tips and stuff, and hopefully I can take those tips — not only for me — but I can help out with some of the other players, too."
Callaway is adjusting to several new elements this season. Along with UT staging a quarterback competition, Kevin Beard has taken over as the new wide receivers coach and Charlton Warren is the new special teams coordinator.
“A little bit,” Callaway said when asked if it’s been hard to have so many changes at once. “It’s still the same things. They still teach us the same schemes, the same positions and all that, so we just got to earn his trust now so when we get better with that trust we’ll be a better team.”
As he pursues a bigger role for the Vols, Callaway remains grateful for the veteran advice provided by Malone.
“I would try not to compare myself because I'm trying to make a name for myself,” Callaway said. “But overall I am just looking up to Malone since I worked with him hands-on and he’s been with me so I know I can always call him when I need something.”
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