National media outlet says Tennessee Vols will have one of the most impactful transfers in 2023
247Sports thinks the Tennessee Vols will have one of college football's "most impactful transfers" in 2023. The national sports media outlet recently ranked the 25 transfers that they think will be the most impactful this fall. And Vols wide receiver Dont'e Thornton, who transferred from Oregon to Tennessee earlier this offseason, is ranked by 247Sports […]
247Sports thinks the Tennessee Vols will have one of college football's "most impactful transfers" in 2023.
The national sports media outlet recently ranked the 25 transfers that they think will be the most impactful this fall.
And Vols wide receiver Dont'e Thornton, who transferred from Oregon to Tennessee earlier this offseason, is ranked by 247Sports at No. 10.
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. He quickly became one of Joe Milton's favorite targets in Knoxville.
Thornton was listed as a co-starter on Tennessee's first depth chart this week with sophomore wide receiver Squirrel White.
Both players are expected to fill the role vacated by Jalin Hyatt, the Biletnikoff Award winner from last season.
It remains to be seen how snaps will be divided between Thornton and White, though it's not out of the question that they could be on the field at the same time — which would make creating mismatches even easier for Josh Heupel and his offensive staff.
Regardless of how it shakes out, there's no doubt that Thornton is a highly talented wide receiver who has the potential to put up massive numbers this fall for the Volunteers.
Kirby Smart comments on former Vols player who transferred to Georgia during the offseason
Kirby Smart commented on a former Tennessee Vols player who transferred to Georgia during the offseason
Featured image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
