ESPN analyst says Tennessee player will have an 'unbelievable' year in 2023
ESPN college football analyst Bill Connelly is a big fan of Tennessee Vols sophomore wide receiver Squirrel White. Connelly, the godfather of ESPN's SP + rankings (generally regarded as the most objective college football rankings in the business), joined 104.5 The Zone's Ramon, Kayla, and Will on Tuesday to discuss Tennessee football and the upcoming […]
ESPN college football analyst Bill Connelly is a big fan of Tennessee Vols sophomore wide receiver Squirrel White.
Connelly, the godfather of ESPN's SP + rankings (generally regarded as the most objective college football rankings in the business), joined 104.5 The Zone's Ramon, Kayla, and Will on Tuesday to discuss Tennessee football and the upcoming 2023 season.
During the discussion, Connelly suggested that White is in store for an "unbelievable" season in 2023.
"Squirrel White's going to have the most unbelievable year this year," said Connelly. "I'm very excited about him. Just filling that role — Josh Heupel's slot receivers always average like 20 yards a catch and are among the most fun players in the country."
White caught 30 passes for 481 yards and two touchdowns last season as a true freshman for the Vols despite making only two starts.
With Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman off to the NFL, White should see plenty of action for Tennessee this fall.
One thing worth noting about Connelly's comments, however, is that White might not always be in the slot. The Vols essentially have four first-team wide receivers with White, Bru McCoy, Ramel Keyton, and Oregon transfer Dont'e Thornton.
Thornton, who is 6-foot-5 and has similar speed as White, can also play in the slot. I'd expect Josh Heupel and his staff to use the versatility of White and Thornton to create some favorable mismatches, which should lead to big numbers for both players.
Peyton Manning gives his thoughts on Joe Milton’s accuracy
Tennessee Vols legend Peyton Manning gave his thoughts this week on UT redshirt senior quarterback Joe Milton’s accuracy
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
