Tennessee Vols newcomer named one of the most impactful transfers for 2023 season
One of the Tennessee Vols' newcomers for the 2023 season was recently named one of college football's 50 most impactful transfers. The Vols didn't go crazy in the transfer portal after the 2022 season. Josh Heupel and his staff added just eight players from the portal, choosing cultural fit over perceived need. One of the […]
One of the Tennessee Vols' newcomers for the 2023 season was recently named one of college football's 50 most impactful transfers.
The Vols didn't go crazy in the transfer portal after the 2022 season.
Josh Heupel and his staff added just eight players from the portal, choosing cultural fit over perceived need.
One of the players the Vols added via the portal was Oregon transfer wide receiver Dont'e Thornton, a former four-star recruit with an ideal size/speed combination (6-foot-5/205 lbs).
247Sports listed Thornton this week as one of their 50 most impactful transfers for the 2023 season. Thornton came in at No. 13 on their list.
From 247Sports: With Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman off to the NFL, this former Oregon wideout saw an opportunity to shine at Tennessee as a potential go-to threat in 2023. Thornton's portal entry was surprising, notes Duck Territory, after he became one of Oregon's most dependable wide receivers in its final stretch run following an injury to senior Chase Cota. With Cota out for multiple weeks, Thornton stepped up and provided the Ducks with another deep ball threat thanks to his 6-foot-5 frame and plus speed. During his career at Oregon, Thornton managed 26 catches for 541 yards and three touchdowns, averaging more than 20 yards per reception.
The Vols have had three wide receivers selected in the last two drafts. If Thornton is as advertised for the Vols this fall, he could very well be selected in the 2024 NFL Draft (along with Vols wide receivers Bru McCoy and Ramel Keyton).
It might not be long before Tennessee regains its reputation as "WRU". They're certainly well on their way under Heupel.
