Tennessee coach points out trait that will allow Vols newcomer to excel in the SEC
The Tennessee Vols added several players from the NCAA transfer portal to their roster earlier this offseason. One of those players was wide receiver Dont'e Thornton, who transferred to Tennessee from Oregon. Thornton, who provides plenty of versatility, is expected to serve as one of the Vols' top four wide receivers in 2023. On Monday, […]
The Tennessee Vols added several players from the NCAA transfer portal to their roster earlier this offseason.
One of those players was wide receiver Dont'e Thornton, who transferred to Tennessee from Oregon.
Thornton, who provides plenty of versatility, is expected to serve as one of the Vols' top four wide receivers in 2023.
On Monday, Tennessee wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope met with reporters and he pointed out a trait that Thornton possesses that will allow him to excel in the SEC.
Pope noted that Thornton genuinely loves football. He's not a player that expects results without hard work. Instead, he's one of the last players to leave the facility every day.
"Usually, when you get transfer guys, it is trying to understand the person," said Pope after Tennessee's ninth spring practice. "Dont'e has been phenomenal because he is all football. He loves it, he is in the building all the time. He is the first one in, last one out. He's coming here in between classes trying to get extra work."
In addition to the talent and hard-working approach that Thornton brings, he's also an energetic player who is more than willing to help "coach up" his teammates.
"Even days when he had not practiced, per se, he is the most exciting guy on the sideline helping coach other guys up," said Pope. "So, I have been pleased with him all the way through."
It seems pretty clear that Josh Heupel and his staff are recruiting to their culture. They obviously want talented players — it's impossible to win in the SEC at a high level without elite talent — but they won't be going after just any player in the portal. Tennessee is protective of its culture. Heupel won't be bringing anyone in who might disrupt that culture — regardless of their talent.
Thornton clearly fits the culture perfectly. His mentality along with his talent is why the Vols made the former Duck a priority when they went portal hunting after the season.
And based on the early returns, it sounds like Thornton is exactly what Tennesese thought he would be — a perfect fit in Knoxville.
