One name often forgotten among those positioned to help Tennessee improve its pedestrian passing game this season is senior Jason Croom. After sitting out last season due to a knee injury, the former receiver has put on some weight and moved to tight end entering his final season with the Vols. If Tennessee’s passing game is going to do its part this season, Croom could be the missing piece of the puzzle for Team 120.

The 6-foot-5, 249-pound Croom was a massive player at the receiver position but could have finally found his ideal home in the middle of the Vols’ offense. While his career has failed to fully materialize after catching only 39 passes for 574 yards in two years of limited action, Croom has contributed six receiving touchdowns during that span. In fact the last time Croom was healthy, all the way back in November of 2014, he caught a touchdown in each of the Vols’ final three regular season games leading up to the TaxSlayer Bowl.

Following a full spring and now nearly a full week of fall camp competing at tight end and, how has Croom adjusted to his new position as the season draws near?

“I’ve become a lot more comfortable with it after practicing all summer,” Croom said following Saturday’s practice. “The guys that’s been in (the tight end) room are helping me out with it – got the defense helping me out, too.”

As for his biggest adjustment to the new position, the senior indicated the blocking and line of scrimmage duties asked of a tight end are what have proven to be the most difficult to grasp.

“It’s always just being down there with the big guys, the technique, you have to bring it every play,” Croom said. “That’s what I’m trying to focus on every time I’m down there.”

While incoming 6-foot-6 junior college receiver Jeff George has been singled out as a likely red zone target for Tennessee this season, don’t be surprised if Croom is the one leading the way in “Orange Zone” targets for the Vols in 2016.

“Yeah, I’m a big body. You can flex me out, you can attach me to the line, you can put me anywhere,” Croom said in regards to being an ideal red zone target.

With so many weapons to choose from on Tennessee’s offense, one player opposing defenses may force to beat them this season is Croom. Judging from his performance in limited duty during his collegiate career, Croom has proven he knows what it takes to end a drive in the end zone.