On3 Roundtable: Tennessee transfers, freshmen ready to emerge entering fall camp

Tennessee is going to have to rely on a few new faces on the offensive side of the ball if they want to emulate the same success that they enjoyed in 2022.

Whether those players will be plug-and-play athletes remains to be seen, but Volquest’s Brent Hubbs joined JD PicKell at the On3 Roundtable to discuss which newcomers he believes fans should be looking out for heading into the final stage of the offseason.

“John Campbell, as I mentioned at left tackle, I think it’s vital for Tennessee. Keenan Pili is to step in at linebacker to transfer from BYU, I think is really important for Tennessee as well,” Hubbs told PicKell. “Then on the offensive side of the ball at receiver, you’re looking for a replacement for Jalin Hyatt. You’ve got Squirrel White there, but you bring in Dont’e Thornton from Oregon who’s definitely got all of the measurables that you want.

“[Thornton] has put on some weight this offseason. He looks a good bit different than he did in the spring, which is encouraging for Tennessee, so those are some of the transfer guys.”

Thornton hasn’t been used to his potential through two seasons in the college ranks. Electing to leave Oregon and head to UT, the former top-100 recruit looks to be one of quarterback Joe Milton’s top targets in 2023.

In terms of others in the receiving corps, Bru McCoy leads the returning group, having been former QB1 Hendon Hooker’s No. 2 option last season having caught 52 passes for 667 yards and four touchdowns. 

Ramel Keyton opted to return to college for another season and looks to add to his 31 receptions, 562 receiving yards and — aside from Jalin Hyatt’s 15 touchdowns — had the most receiving touchdowns on the team with five. White is another option having returned after hauling in nearly 500 receiving yards last season.

“I think if you’re talking about freshman impact, you may go to the tight end position where Tennessee is trying to fill some holes and create some depth,” Hubbs said. “They got McCallan Castles to transfer from UC Davis. He will factor in and play early.

“But a high school guy who might be a factor is Ethan Davis who maybe is not the most heralded guy out of that class that had just arrived at Tennessee, but a guy who may have to step in and play early because of a need at that spot. He’s one to keep an eye on in August for sure.”

The 6-foot-4 Davis — who missed his senior season in high school with an injury — will be a two-sport athlete for the Vols and will join Rick Barnes’ basketball squad after football season.

The depth certainly is there for the Vols — but the question remains whether or not they can fit into Heupel’s up-tempo style of offense.