Josh Heupel explains why wide receiver Marquarius White stood up, reveals nickname for freshman

Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel instantly transformed the offense last season, making it one of the most explosive in the SEC. Finishing third in the conference with 474.9 yards per game, Heupel and his recruiting staff were able to bring in some more dynamic playmakers with their 2022 recruiting class.

One of those is true freshman wide receiver Marquarius White, who enrolled at Tennessee early and has been going through spring practice. Heupel said White stood out in a recent scrimmage and even revealed a hilarious nickname the freshman has been given by the program.

“I thought Squirrel did a really good job out there today,” Heupel said. “Made multiple plays. Operated really efficient. Didn’t feel like the tempo or the game was too fast for him at any point. Really positive day for him.”

The On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting services, had White ranked as a four-star prospect. Coming out of Pinson, AL, the wide receiver was the No. 13 player from his home state and No. 61 at the position.

For quarterback Hendon Hooker, a new target could be emerging before the 2022 season begins. If Heupel and Tennessee can implement some of their freshmen to the rotation and bring a spark, competing within the SEC East could be a real possibility.

Josh Heupel talks another wide receiver standing out

Junior wide receiver Jalin Hyatt has quite the hype surrounding his potential extended role with Tennessee after Heupel revealed the strides he’s already made this offseason. Just through a few weeks of spring camp, Heupel can tell he has something special with the Irmo, South Carolina native.

“Jalin [Hyatt] has made a huge jump [this offseason]. Different mindset, different focus because of those different work habits. Unbelievable offseason strength conditioning before we got to to competing on the grass,” Heupel said. “He’s continuing to get better, playing in competitive situations, understanding how to do things that we want to do at the wide receiver position — playing without the football in his hands. He’s become a much more physical football player since he’s changed his body and those two things go together hand in hand in gaining confidence and that shows up in the way that he’s played.”

Last season, Hyatt caught 21 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns on the year, ranking fourth on his team. Hyatt is certainly looking toward 2022 as a breakout year.