It what was among the early signs that John Currie didn’t know exactly what he was doing at Tennessee, the former UT athletic director allowed interim head coach Brady Hoke to dismiss Jauan Jennings from the football program last fall following a social media outburst.

Thankfully, once Phillip Fulmer and Jerry Pruitt both arrived in Knoxville, sensible decisions were made and allowed a player that clearly needed some guidance the opportunity to do so on Rocky Top. While they did not welcome Jennings back until specific conditions were met, all signs point to Jennings being one of the leaders of Pruitt’s first Tennessee team come the fall.

During his appearance at SEC Media Days, Pruitt was asked about Jennings’ status entering his junior season — the receiver was given a medical redshirt after only playing in one game last fall. According to Pruitt, while he has yet to see him compete on the practice field, he’s been impressed with everything he’s seen from the in-state receiver.

“Jauan did not have an opportunity to go through spring, he had a little meniscus done, so he’s working hard this summer. He’s done exactly what I’ve asked him to do,” Pruitt said when asked if Jennings has been fully reinstated to the program. “I really like Jauan. I like his competitive edge. He wants to be good, he wants his team to be good. I’m looking for big things from him, we just have to get him well and get him out there on the practice field so he understands exactly what we are trying to get done.”

The Tennessee coach was later asked a follow-up question in regards to Jennings’ ability on the field, but again, Pruitt indicated he wouldn’t know until he sees him on the field. While that has yet to happen, the Volunteer coach did reveal he’s liked what he’s seen from his receiver when he had to gameplan against him at Alabama.

“Well, we’ve not had a practice with him on the field, so I don’t think I can exactly say,” he said. “I know coaching against him, I think the guy was a really good competitor, I thought he played with toughness. He’s a big man that runs well. It would be tough for me to answer that until I got out on the field and saw that first-hand.”

There may not be a single offensive player that will benefit more immediately from Fulmer’s decision to hire Pruitt than Jennings in the fall. If Jennings finishes his Tennessee career with a big season or two, much of that credit will be owed to his new head coach for not giving in to those who would have preferred to see him turn his back on Jennings.