Josh Heupel raves about Jimmy Holiday after Week 1 performance

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel was able to empty the bench during the No. 24 Vols’ 59-10 season-opening win over Ball State last weekend. 10 different players caught passes for Tennessee, but none impressed Heupel more than junior wideout Jimmy Holiday.

Holiday finished second on the team in receiver yards on the day, hauling in four receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown — by far the most productive game he’s had in his collegiate career in Knoxville.

“He operated really efficient and got himself lined up, understood coverages on the back end,” Heupel said of Holiday’s performance. “I was able to catch him running a little bit on a perimeter screen. Obviously, the dig route that he was able to score a touchdown on was a big play for him and for us.”

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Prior to last Saturday, Holiday had only appeared in two games — in his entire career — for the Vols. His first came against Auburn back in November 2020 as a true freshman where he had one rushing attempt for six yards. He also appeared in Tennessee’s shutout win over Tennessee Tech in September the following season, compiling just one reception for six yards.

Now, Holiday has forced Heupel to put him on the field. The only question now is whether or not he’s able to produce at the same level against tougher competition — something the Vols will have this weekend.

“He’s somebody that just continues to get better inside of our system and really just fundamentally, having played that position for a very short amount of time — having played quarterback and transitioning outside,” Heupel said. “Saw him show up in special teams, too. That’s something they did a year ago, but he’s a better player on those units right now than he was at that time. I expect him to continue to grow and to have a huge impact inside of our program.” 

Holiday will look to duplicate his Week 1 performance this Saturday on the road against No. 17 Pitt. That game is set to kickoff at 3:30 p.m. ET live on ABC.