Tennessee Vols: Kelsey Pope's description of true freshman WR sounds a lot like Jauan Jennings
The Tennessee Vols have a true freshman wide receiver on their roster that will soon be a huge fan favorite on Rocky Top. Squirrel White, a former three-star recruit from Alabama, probably won't have a big role for the Vols in 2022, thanks to Tennessee's depth at wide receiver. But when he gets his shot, […]
The Tennessee Vols have a true freshman wide receiver on their roster that will soon be a huge fan favorite on Rocky Top.
Squirrel White, a former three-star recruit from Alabama, probably won't have a big role for the Vols in 2022, thanks to Tennessee's depth at wide receiver. But when he gets his shot, he's going to shine.
White is already receiving massive compliments from Vols wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope.
"Squirrel can freaking run," said Pope on Thursday. "He doesn't bat an eye when things get chaotic. He is flying around. And if someone is trying to be physical, he matches that intensity and physicality."
"He has the smallest stature but the biggest heart in the room," added Pope. "I love that kid."
Pope's description of White sounds a lot like former Vols wide receiver Jauan Jennings, a fan favorite who was known for his incredible toughness and physicality on the football field.
Jennings was hard to tackle, gave 100 percent at all times, and proved to be a key leader for Tennessee's football team.
Remember the 2019 Vols team that started 0-2 with losses to Georgia State and BYU?
Jennings' leadership was a big reason that team was able to turn things around and finish with an 8-5 record.
White seemingly has a lot of those same traits.
Now, it could be a bit before we get to see White in a leadership role — he's going to have to wait his turn (the same was true of Jennings, who only had 14 receptions as a true freshman in 2015). But the tools are there for White to be an offensive leader and key weapon for the Vols.
White feels like the type of player that Tennessee quarterbacks are going to love. He can be a deep threat, or he can be the go-to guy on third down when the team needs a tough six to seven yards to pick up a first down.
I have a feeling that in due time, White is going to become one of the most popular and productive players on Tennessee's roster. It may not happen in 2022, but it's going to happen.
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
