Tyler Byrd, #10, fakes out an Ohio defender on Sept. 17, 2016. • File Photo
Byrd soaring high as sophomore season approaches Cory Sanning
Staff Writer In the world of sports and in life, one of the most important aspects is speed. The same could be said for sophomore wide receiver Tyler Byrd. Entering his first session of spring practices with a season of experience already under his belt, the expectations surrounding Byrd grow as each day passes. While the Naples, Florida, native only amassed 15 receptions for 209 yards and no touchdowns as a freshman, his potential as a speedy threat on the outside continues to grow, and Byrd has already learned quite a bit from his time as a Vol.
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“It’s insane. It’s a much different speed coming from high school to college,” Byrd said. “Everything went so quick, I had to depend on the older guys. They really helped me mature to the point where I can step up and be effective.” A former defensive standout, Byrd originally committed to the University of Miami before ultimately deciding to flip to UT. As a senior at Naples High, Byrd was named to the All-State Class 6A First Team while totaling 41 tackles, one interception and five passes defended as a cornerback. On offense, he was equally as effective, hauling in 36 total catches for 641 yards and nine touchdowns. The transition from one side of the ball to another was not always easy for Byrd, though. “It took me awhile to adjust to it,” Byrd said.
“Playing both ways and being primarily a defensive guy, it took me a moment to hone in on my abilities as a wide receiver.” With Josh Malone heading to the NFL and Jauan Jennings’s days as a Volunteer slowly but surely winding down, the battle at the receiver position has grown immensely, and at this point, every spot is up for grabs. Despite the competition and all the distractions, Byrd has remained even-keeled, working tirelessly to improve his game over the course of the offseason. “I’ve just been trying to work on the small things,” Byrd said. “Just trying to be myself as a football player and not go out there and think as much.” While Byrd’s numbers from last season certainly weren’t eye-popping, he had sever-
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al impressive moments in his first season at Tennessee. Against Florida, he caught three passes for 40 yards, all three resulting in first downs. On the road against Texas A&M, Byrd hauled in three catches for a career-high 60 yards, his most impressive being a 43-yard gain that would set Tennessee up for the tying score while trailing 35-28 late in the fourth quarter. Byrd also tried his hand at returning, his most impressive effort coming against the Vanderbilt Commodores when he returned three kicks for 99 yards, including a 67-yarder. While the Vols have one of the younger receiving cores in the entire NCAA, head coach Butch Jones is certainly optimistic about this group. See FOOTBALL on Page 8
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