Where Does Dont'e Thornton Fit?
In January, the Volunteers landed former Oregon Duck Dont'e Thornton in the transfer portal. Thornton had 541 career receiving yards and three touchdowns in two years with the Ducks.
However, he finished with just 26 total receptions in those two years. The lack of touches may have pushed him to Knoxville with a chance to show off in a "pass-happy" offense.
He joins a loaded wide receiver room with Bru McCoy, Ramel Keyton, and Squirrel White returning. The position group also features the likes of talented redshirt freshmen such as Kaleb Webb. Webb was a four-star recruit out of Powder Springs, Georgia, who dominated the high school circuit.
Dont'e Thornton, Tennessee WR
However, Thornton has the potential to thrive in an offense that features many outside receivers in the game plan. White and Thornton can also do damage out of the slot. Thornton was a speedster lining up in the slot for Oregon this past season. White also played well in the slot for the Volunteers, especially late in the season. In the Orange Bowl victory over Clemson, he had 108 yards and a touchdown grab. He also had 96 yards in the loss to South Carolina.
Head coach Josh Heupel is a big fan of Thornton thus far in spring practices. "He's got great speed, he's got experience, he's mature. He's got great work habits as a guy that's constantly up here in the meeting room. But also doing things in the indoor [facility] and trying to become the best he can." Thornton came to Knoxville looking to shine, and he has the setup to do just that.
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