Dont’e Thornton explains early relationship with Joe Milton, Squirrel White
After transferring to Tennessee from Oregon over the offseason, wide receiver Dont’e Thornton is going to have plenty of opportunities to make an impact on the field in Josh Heupel‘s offense. During the Volunteers’ offseason and in fall camp, he’s showed his teammates what he has to offer in 2023.
A large part of Thornton’s ability to show off his skill set in preparation for the upcoming year has been partly because of the relationships he’s developed on the team. During the Volunteers’ fall camp press conference, Thornton revealed how his relationships with quarterback Joe Milton and receiver roommate Squirrel White have helped him prepare to feature in Tennessee’s offense.
“I’d said me and Joe have a great relationship. From the moment I got here, me and Joe have been clicking and getting together,” said Thornton. “Like even on nights where it might be a time where I feel like I don’t understand the play. I could call Joe or go over to his house, and he’ll walk me through it, and then we’ll be good like that. So, I definitely have a great relationship.
“Honestly, Squirrel, that’s one of my closest teammates here. From the moment I got here, I have always leaned on Squirrel because he played a position before I got here. So he knew exactly what to do. I’d say that Squirrel played a big part in my learning process and how it was sped up because he helped me through everything.”
Many college football experts believe Thornton will have an excellent year for Tennessee. On3’s J.D PicKell recently said he considers the former Duck one of the best-kept secrets of the SEC heading into 2023. And his relationships with Milton and White are two key building blocks that have Thornton primed for success with the Volunteers.
Josh Heupel stresses need for depth at offensive tackle for Tennessee
Thornton and the receivers have looked solid at fall camp, but there are some offensive concerns for the team. After their first day of fall camp, Heupel took a moment to stress the need for depth and consistency at tackle going into the 2023 season.
“The reality is we’re gonna need all those guys to play,” said Heupel. “That’s been proven over time everywhere that I’ve been and since I’ve been here, too. At the end of the day, this is the time of year where you got to let the competition unfold. Guys that are consistent and are playing at a high level and doing all those things at a championship level are the guys that you got to find a role with. We’ll see where that ends up by the end of training camp.”
The Volunteers have a huge void to fill at offensive tackle. Many individuals were critical to the success of Tennessee’s historical offense last season. Still, none were rewarded like offensive tackle Darnell Wright in the 2023 NFL Draft. Wright was selected with the No. 10 overall pick by the Chicago Bears. He was the first Volunteers player since safety Eric Berry to be drafted in the top-ten pick of the draft.