ESPN names Tennessee Vols' most important newcomer for the 2024 season
ESPN named each preseason top 25 team's "most important newcomer" this week and they listed a five-star signee for the Tennessee Vols. Mike Matthews, a five-star wide receiver from Georgia, will be the Vols' most important newcomer in 2024 according to ESPN's Blake Baumgartner. From ESPN: Matthews, the headliner of a 14th-ranked recruiting class, could very […]
ESPN named each preseason top 25 team's "most important newcomer" this week and they listed a five-star signee for the Tennessee Vols.
Mike Matthews, a five-star wide receiver from Georgia, will be the Vols' most important newcomer in 2024 according to ESPN's Blake Baumgartner.
From ESPN: Matthews, the headliner of a 14th-ranked recruiting class, could very well give quarterback Nico Iamaleava and Tennessee's offense a tantalizing playmaker because of his versatility on the field. As a senior, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound Matthews caught 39 passes for 751 yards and nine touchdowns for Parkview High School (Georgia) and could add to an offense that was 19th in the country at 448.1 YPG.
It can be tough for a true freshman to make a big impact in Josh Heupel's up-tempo offense, but Matthews, a player that's viewed as "advanced" as a prospect, has the potential to play a key role for the Vols in 2024.
Matthews received rave reviews for his work during Tennessee's bowl prep ahead of the Citrus Bowl. Once he gets spring practice and fall practice under his belt, he'll essentially have almost a full year in Heupel's offense before he plays his first game.
As long as Matthews doesn't miss time during spring and fall camp, he has the potential to earn significant playing time as a true freshman.
Jeremy Pruitt’s finest moment as Tennessee’s head coach came just before Jauan Jennings’ final game with Vols
Pruitt deserves a lot of credit for that
