Dont’e Thornton can provide position flexibility to Vols’ offense

Oregon transfer wide receiver Dont’e Thornton can provide position flexibility to Tennessee’s offense.

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.

Halzle discussed Oregon transfer wide receiver Dont’e Thornton being part of Tennessee’s offense in 2023.

“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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