Joey Halzle was promoted as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Jan. 5.
He met with media Feb. 8 and previewed Tennessee ahead of spring practices.
“With Dont’e, really big guy that can run,” Halzle said. “He’s 6’4-plus, the day he steps on the field he might always be the fastest guy on the field. That guy can really roll. He does a great job of giving you position flexibility with what he has done and his ability to get in and out of breaks.
“He’s fluid, he can roll over the in-steps, he can do all of that type of stuff. He can read defenses from his time playing college football. He gives you a chance to move him all over the field and create mismatches.”
Thornton committed to the Vols on Jan. 9.
He appeared in 25 games from 2021-22 for Oregon. Thornton recorded 26 receptions, 541 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns, while totaling six rushing yards on two attempts.
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