Kelsey Pope says Tennessee receiver production is 'to be seen'

In his second year as the Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver coach, Kelsey Pope is looking to have his unit build off of the impressive 2022 year that they had. Tennessee nearly finished the year with four receivers with at least 500 yards receiving and multiple touchdowns.

As Volunteers prepare for the 2023 season, Pope was asked about whether or not his unit could repeat the level of production they had last season. And while some would tout their success and set expectations to do better in the upcoming season, the Volunteers wide receiver coach thinks otherwise. For Pope he’s not focused on the end results. He’s interested in the habits they build along the way.

“I think that’s to be seen; that’s why you gotta stay in it. I think part of the word process is you never know what the end product will be,” said Pope. “We can start hot and not have the type of work ethic we want, and things go to opposite way. We could start not the way we want to and start to work and prepare the right way and get things going. But I think that’s always to be seen. My main focus isn’t really the end result or production. I just want to see these kids operate. I want to see them build habits because those are ultimately what’s gonna take over when bullets are flying.”

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. Two names at the top of that list are sophomore Squirrel White and Oregon transfer Dont’e Thornton. Both 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.”