Tennessee football has one of the best run games in the country. An underrated part of this success has been getting crucial blocks on the perimeter by wide receivers.

While most Vol fans are well aware of the impact those blocks have by now, it’s something that opponents are noting on scouts, as well. Ahead of Tennessee’s trip to play at South Carolina this Saturday, Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer was asked about Josh Heupel’s UT offense this year.

Beamer was quick to bring up the physicality that the receivers play with in the run game. It’s not just blocking, but an aggression that can change plays.

“Really impressed just watching their receivers block in the run game,” Beamer said. “Like you watch their receivers in the run game, like they are trying to kill people, not just get in there and try and block you. They are trying to come in there and kill you. And I say that in a respectful way. They do a great job, and they’re a physical bunch and always have been.”

Perhaps the top blocking wide receiver on the team is Mike Matthews. The junior pass catcher has made it a habit to pile drive defenders into the ground. This is typically followed by a release of emotion, showing his clear pride in such plays.

That’s always been the case for Matthews, but he did admit it’s something that’s grown since he got to college. For him, it’s the combination of seeing how good the backs are and knowing he’d like the same blocks when he has the ball that makes him want to block so effectively.

“I feel like it’s been a mentality, but it’s definitely grown,” Matthews said. “Just being around our running backs and knowing they’re always going to break a tackle and always keep going. And also understand, I know if I had the ball, I’d want someone blocking for me like that.”

Kickoff between Tennessee and South Carolina is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET and will air on ESPN.