Tennessee’s football program faces additional uncertainty after Chris Brazzell II, the Volunteers’ top returning wide receiver, was charged with speeding and driving with a suspended license following an Aug. 8 arrest in Knoxville.
The charges add to what’s already been a turbulent offseason for the program. Brazzell was pulled over near Tennessee’s campus and is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 20.
The 21-year-old junior transferred from Tulane and led returning receivers with 29 catches for 333 yards and two touchdowns last season.
Details of the arrest
Police pulled over Brazzell around 8:57 p.m. after clocking his black Dodge Charger going 60 mph in a 35 mph zone in downtown Knoxville, according to records obtained by Knox News.
Brazzell showed officers a U.S. passport but said he didn’t have his driver’s license with him. When police checked his motor vehicle records, they discovered his license had been suspended after he failed to appear in Blount County court on Aug. 15, 2024.
Officers arrested Brazzell, citing his history of not appearing for court dates as the reason for detention.
Brazzell’s father played in the NFL and CFL. His brother is a walk-on defensive back at Tennessee.
“We are aware of the traffic stop involving Chris Brazzell II and have no further comment at this time,” a Tennessee spokesperson told Knox News on Aug. 10.
The receiver has been a limited participant in preseason practices while rehabbing an unspecified injury, according to Knox News.
Impact on Tennessee’s receiver depth
The arrest creates more questions for a wide receiver group already dealing with depth concerns. Tennessee has just seven scholarship receivers on its roster.
Only three players in the unit have appeared in a college game. Brazzell brings the most experience among coach Josh Heupel’s pass-catchers.
The current depth chart includes:
| Rank | Name | Class |
| 1 | Mike Matthews | Sophomore |
| 2 | Chris Brazzell II | Junior |
| 3 | Braylon Staley | Redshirt freshman |
| 4 | Travis Smith Jr. | Freshman |
| 5 | Radarious Jackson | Freshman |
| 6 | Boo Carter | Sophomore |
| 7 | Trey Weary | Redshirt junior |
| 8 | Joakim Dodson | Freshman |
| 9 | Amari Jefferson | Redshirt freshman |
Mike Matthews appears positioned as the primary target after catching 19 passes for 267 yards as a freshman. The Volunteers will likely need significant contributions from inexperienced players if Brazzell faces any team discipline.
Tennessee opens its season Sept. 2 against Bowling Green. The program hasn’t announced any disciplinary action regarding Brazzell’s arrest.
