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Kelsey Pope assesses growth from Oregon transfer Dont’e Thornton
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Dont’e Thronton is becoming more confident with each passing game for Tennessee football.
The Oregon WR transfer started the season slower than some around Knoxville would have guessed. He was WR4 or 5 around the midway point of the season.
But with the injury of Bru McCoy came a need for someone to step up at receiver. And though Thornton has not lit up the stat sheet, his improvement from Week 1 to Week 10 is clearly evident.
He’s totaled 5 receptions for 99 yards across the past 2 games after starting the season with just 79 receiving yards. More than anything, he’s taking advantages of the passes coming his way.
On Tuesday, Vols WR coach Kelsey Pope spoke to Thornton’s confidence, and why it’s played such a role in his ascendance the past few weeks:
Tennessee WR coach Kelsey Pope on Dont’e Thornton: We’ve been able to get him confident, comfortable. He’s a kid that wants to do so well that he was toeing the line of pressing… Now you’re able to see the confident version of him.
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) November 7, 2023
Tennessee football still has plenty to play for. The Vols need some help but could still win the East with wins over Georgia and Mizzou plus some help from Mizzou. Sure, it’s unlikely. But crazier things have happened, and all Tennessee can control is itself.
The Vols face off against Mizzou in Columbia this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on CBS.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
