National media outlet says Tennessee Vols transfer will be one of the biggest 'impact transfers' in the SEC in 2023
Rivals.com made their case for the 10 biggest impact transfers in the SEC in 2023 and one of the Tennessee Vols' transfer additions made their list. Earlier this month, the Vols landed a commitment from Oregon transfer wide receiver Dont'e Thornton. Thornton is a 6-foot-5 wide receiver who has good speed and can make plays […]
Rivals.com made their case for the 10 biggest impact transfers in the SEC in 2023 and one of the Tennessee Vols' transfer additions made their list.
Earlier this month, the Vols landed a commitment from Oregon transfer wide receiver Dont'e Thornton.
Thornton is a 6-foot-5 wide receiver who has good speed and can make plays in the open field. He's essentially a perfect fit in Josh Heupel's offense.
The former Oregon wide receiver was one of the 10 SEC impact transfers listed by Rivals.com
Could Dont’e Thornton be the next receiver to capitalize from Josh Heupel’s offense in Tennessee? The Volunteers are losing star wideouts Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman to the NFL and will need to find a new top target for the coming season. While Thornton posted modest numbers in his two years at Oregon, the former Rivals100 receiver showed promise toward the end of last season, tallying four catches for 151 yards in the Ducks’ 20-17 victory over Utah. The 6-foot-5, 199-pound playmaker has plenty of speed to go with his towering frame. Look for Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III to unleash a few deep balls his way this fall.
Thornton will battle with Ramel Keyton, Bru McCoy, and Squirrel White for a starting wide receiver spot at Tennessee this spring.
I'd bet on McCoy and White being locked in as starters because of their skill sets (McCoy is more physical, while White is a deep threat and the replacement for Jalin Hyatt).
That would mean Thornton will likely be competing with Keyton for the other starting spot. Keyton was huge for the Vols in 2022 when Cedric Tillman went down with an ankle injury. He made some massive catches in critical moments in games against Florida and Alabama (they don't win either game without those catches from Keyton). Thornton, however, might provide more big-play ability.
Even if Keyton doesn't start, he should see plenty of playing time. Injuries are part of the game. Guys get banged up. Tennessee may not substitute much during drives because of their tempo, but the No. 4 wide receiver on UT's roster should still always see plenty of action.
Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
