National media outlet calls Tennessee Vols sophomore a 'rising star'
The Tennessee Vols lost several key players this offseason from last year's 11-2 squad. Gone are players like Hendon Hooker, Jalin Hyatt, Cedric Tillman, Darnell Wright, and Byron Young. Fortunately for the Vols, there are plenty of players ready to step up and replace the standout Tennessee players that are heading to the NFL. One […]
The Tennessee Vols lost several key players this offseason from last year's 11-2 squad.
Gone are players like Hendon Hooker, Jalin Hyatt, Cedric Tillman, Darnell Wright, and Byron Young.
Fortunately for the Vols, there are plenty of players ready to step up and replace the standout Tennessee players that are heading to the NFL.
One of the players that's expected to step up in a big way in 2023 is sophomore wide receiver Squirrel White.
In fact, 247Sports recently named White as one of 23 "rising stars" in college football for the 2023 season.
From 247Sports: White, a slot receiver for the Vols, was stuck behind 2022 Biletnikoff Award winner Jalin Hyatt as a true freshman. When Hyatt sat out of Tennessee’s Orange Bowl showdown against Clemson, White got his chance to shine. He became an immediate favorite for quarterback Joe Milton, hauling in nine catches for 108 yards and one touchdown. While his speed sets him apart, his ability to adjust with the ball in the air and make contested catches is underrated. A full season in a starting role will give him the ability to showcase all his tools.
White should take over Jalin Hyatt's deep threat role in the Vols' offense in 2023, though it's unclear how Tennessee's wide receiver rotation will shake out.
The Vols have an embarrassment of riches at the wide receiver position. The only problem is that under Josh Heupel, Tennessee typically uses three wide receivers without subbing much. Bru McCoy and Ramel Keyton, two key contributors in 2022, should be locked in as starters. That leaves White and Oregon transfer Dont'e Thornton at the third wide receiver position.
It's a good problem for the Vols to have — everyone saw last season with Tillman's ankle injury how quickly depth can be needed. But it'll still be interesting to see how White and Thornton split playing time. Or if the Vols go with more four wide receiver sets.
One thing is certain — Tennessee will have plenty of ways to confuse opponents and create favorable matchups in 2023.
