As Tennessee football gears up for the Music City Bowl against Illinois on Tuesday, there is optimism surrounding the potential return of tight end Miles Kitselman, who has been sidelined due to an injury sustained in the game against New Mexico State. Kitselman, a key player in both the passing and running game, was a starter before his injury and his presence on the field is highly anticipated by his teammates.
Starting quarterback Joey Aguilar expressed excitement about the prospect of Kitselman’s return, highlighting his critical role in the offense. “It’s important, you know, he is a big aspect of our offense, in the pass and run game,” Aguilar said, emphasizing that Kitselman’s presence would provide him with “one more target.”
During the season, Kitselman recorded 25 receptions for 250 yards and two touchdowns, along with a carry for two yards. This will mark his second season at Tennessee after transferring from Hutchinson Community College and spending two years at Alabama. Following this season, he will exhaust his eligibility.
If Kitselman is able to return, his experience will be invaluable for the Vols. Aguilar has not only developed chemistry with him in the passing game but has also benefitted from Kitselman’s blocking skills in the run game. While Kitselman has been out, Ethan Davis stepped into a larger role, showcasing his abilities with notable performances against Florida and Vanderbilt, where he notched five receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown, and seven catches for 85 yards, respectively.
Additionally, the Vols have promising young talent in the tight end room, including freshmen Jack Van Dorselaer and DaSaahn Brame, and redshirt freshman Cole Harrison, adding depth to the position.
The Music City Bowl is set to kick off at 5:30 p.m. ET at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, where fans can expect an exciting matchup. The Vols will look to leverage their talents, and the potential return of Kitselman could be a pivotal factor in their performance against Illinois.