Kelsey Pope shares how to involve Squirrel White, Dont'e Thornton in Tennessee offense

As Tennessee is in the midst of spring practice, they’ll begin to get an idea of who will be their standout players this upcoming season. The Volunteers lost some significant talent at the wide receiver position, losing last year’s leading star wideout Jalin Hyatt, and their leading receiver from the previous season Cedric Tillman.

Sophomore Squirrel White and Oregon transfer Dont’e Thornton could be the Vols’ next big play receivers this upcoming season. The duo have both been working at the slot receiver position during spring practice, but according to wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope, there’s a big chance that they both share the field this upcoming season.

“Absolutely you can get both of those guys in the same time,” Pope said. “I think another thing that you’ve got to be conscious of is having guys be able to play multiple spots because you want your best players on the field. Whether those two are in that group or whoever, you gotta have some guys play multiple spots, it allows you to do that.”

Pope was also asked what makes the two wide receivers different, focusing on their physical differences and their specialties as wideouts.

“I think body type for one, body makeup. Dont’e is 6’5, 205-210 (pounds), Squirrel 5’8 he’s around 170 (pounds) now. I think body type, there’s a big difference,” Pope said. “Both those guys have the ability to run, Squirrel is more of a vertical guy. Dont’e can run, he adds a little bit more lateral, a little bit more on the line of scrimmage.”

White had an impressive freshman season in his limited snaps. He recorded a catch in eight of the Volunteers’ 13 games, shining brighter and brighter the more he played. In Tennessees’ blowout win over Tennessee Martin White received extended snaps and made the most of them, ending the day with five catches for 122 yards and his first career touchdown catch.

He had another five-catch game in the team’s loss to South Carolina, but broke out in the Orange Bowl with Hyatt and Tillman forgoing the game to prepare for the NFL Draft. White was the Volunteers’ leading receiver, ending the game with nine receptions for 108 yards and another touchdown catch.

Thorton on the other hand joined the Volunteers from Oregon via the transfer portal this offseason. Last season he recorded 17 catches for 366 yards and a touchdown, having a breakout performance in the Ducks’ big win over Utah where he was the games leading receiver with four catches for 151 yards.

“But both those guys have a unique skillset that we’re going to have to take advantage of this year, and it’ll help us win,” Pope said.