'That's how he sees himself' -- NFL assistant coach makes strong statement about former Tennessee Vols WR Jauan Jennings

Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Jauan Jennings put up the best numbers of his career in 2024, catching 77 passes for 975 yards and six touchdowns while playing in an expanded role for the San Francisco 49ers. 

With the 49ers moving on from wide receiver Deebo Samuel this offseason, plus wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk unlikely to play until midseason (due to a torn ACL he suffered last season), San Francisco is expected to rely heavily on Jennings in 2025. 

49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak made it clear this week that he's confident in Jennings' ability to be a No. 1 wide receiver. And that's in large part because of Jennings' unwavering confidence in himself. 

"I think, if you ask Jauan, he says 'I'm No. 1,'" said Kubiak last Thursday. "And that's his mindset and that's why we love Jauan."

"That's how he sees himself," continued Kubiak. "He sees himself as a dominant player. I think you guys all saw last year when he got more chances, he played really, really well. So really fired up about Jauan."

Tennessee fans always knew that Jennings had the potential to excel in the NFL thanks to his relentless work ethic and dog mentality. It took the former Vol a little while to force himself into a featured role in the NFL, but now that he's displayed that he can perform at an elite level against the top competition in the league, it's going to be nearly impossible to keep Jennings off the field. 

The soon-to-be 28-year-old wide receiver could be in line to put up the best numbers of his career in 2025. And it's all because of the opportunity he's going to receive with the 49ers this fall.