Recent comments from key Vols player should ease transfer concerns
The Tennessee Vols could be adding a transfer wide receiver in the coming days (Oregon wide receiver Dont'e Thornton is a strong possibility). And that's led to concerns that a current starting Vols wide receiver could enter the NCAA transfer portal. Thornton, a 6-foot-5 wide receiver with elite speed, would almost certainly start for Tennessee […]
The Tennessee Vols could be adding a transfer wide receiver in the coming days (Oregon wide receiver Dont'e Thornton is a strong possibility).
And that's led to concerns that a current starting Vols wide receiver could enter the NCAA transfer portal.
Thornton, a 6-foot-5 wide receiver with elite speed, would almost certainly start for Tennessee if decides to transfer to UT.
With Tennessee typically only utilizing three wide receivers during a game (they don't sub much because of their tempo), it means either Bru McCoy, Squirrel White, or Ramel Keyton could be relegated to a backup role (unless Josh Heupel makes some offensive tweaks).
White and McCoy seemed locked into starting roles because of their skill sets. Keyton and Thornton, however, play similar roles.
That's why some fans think Keyton could be at risk of transferring.
But some recent comments made by Keyton make it sound like he's locked in at Tennessee and ready to accomplish something special next season.
"Next year we're aiming higher," said Keyton to GoVols247 after Tennessee's win against Clemson in the Orange Bowl last week.
Keyton said the win against Clemson was a "stepping stool for next year" and gives the Vols some momentum going into 2023.
That doesn't sound like a player that's considering leaving Knoxville. Instead, it sounds like a player that's focused on winning the SEC and bringing a national championship back to Rocky Top.
There's also the fact that Keyton recently signed a new NIL deal with The Volunteer Club.
These NIL deals obviously aren't binding contracts to play football at Tennessee, but they've typically been viewed as a player making the decision to stick around for another season.
When you combine Keyton's quote with his new NIL deal, it certainly feels like he's a guy that isn't going anywhere this offseason.
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
