Dont’e Thornton details decision and when he knew Tennessee was the choice
When Oregon wide receiver transfer Dont’e Thornton went into the transfer portal last month, one team quickly stood out. It was the team that had the best office in college football and that was Tennessee.
“I’d say I knew when I had my home visit with coach Pope,” Thornton said. “I had a great relationship with him through out once I entered the portal and my main thing was to get down there and that’s how I was going to make my decision.”
And Tennessee’s success through the air stood out as the season went along. Jalin Hyatt had a record setting and award winning season but it was more than just him.
“Me playing receiver and then having the Biletnikoff award winner let’s you know they throw the ball enough for the receivers to have exposure,” Thornton said. “He wasn’t their only good receiver either. That draws the attention of any wide receiver.”
And as Tennessee took to the field less than two weeks ago in the Orange Bowl, Thornton found himself glued to the screen and imagining himself running around in orange.
“Joe threw that 60 yard bomb and I was like I know where I’m going,” Thornton said with a laugh.
Joe has a big arm and while he might overthrow some receivers with that cannon, Thornton doesn’t believe that happens with him.
“He isn’t overthrowing me,” Thornton said again with a chuckle. “He looks effortless when he throws the ball. It throws me off because he is back there and toss it up and it’s 60 yard bomb and I’m like dang.”
Thornton had 17 catches for 366 yards with one touchdown for Oregon this past fall. The Baltimore native will enroll at Tennessee for spring and start classes January 23rd.
For the full interview as Austin Price sits down with Dont’e Thornton, click the link below.
