Squirrel White subsequent in line as Vols’ slot WR

There’s a motive Josh Heupel all the time believed within the depth of his extensive receivers. He didn’t panic when Tennessee soccer misplaced Cedric Tillman for half the season, and he didn’t appear bothered when Jalin Hyatt opted out of the Orange Bowl to deal with the 2023 NFL Draft.

Heupel’s system permits for any good receiver to blossom, and the Vols have that past Tillman and Hyatt. Positive, Hyatt gained the Biletnikoff Award this 12 months, however he had assist from Tillman being out and slot receivers having tons of alternatives on this offense.

With Hyatt out, Heupel simply turned to his subsequent slot receiver. Squirrel White solidified himself as the following star receiver within the slot for Tennessee soccer with the best way he performed because the Vols beat the Clemson Tigers 31-14 Friday night time.

Joe Milton III did a great job delivering the ball to all people, however White led the group, catching 9 passes for 108 yards and a landing. His rating was an amazing seize over the center, and he caught one other lovely deep ball from Milton.

This isn’t stunning. Earlier than Hyatt, Velus Jones Jr. caught 62 passes for 807 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2021. The one motive he didn’t have larger numbers is as a result of Tillman was balling on the surface. Hyatt, the inheritor obvious to Jones, performed a bigger position resulting from Tillman’s damage.

Even earlier than taking on Tennessee soccer, although, Heupel all the time had a slot receiver. Marlon Williams was a two-year star with the UCF Knights in 2019 and 2020 enjoying that position. Then got here Jones in 2021 and Hyatt in 2022.

After all, it’s nonetheless a meritocracy and never an entire product of the system. In spite of everything, White beat out Jimmy Calloway and Jimmy Vacation for the No. 2 slot man behind Hyatt this 12 months regardless of being a real freshman. There’s a base stage of ability. Afterward, although, it’s abut the system.

In the event you adopted Tennessee soccer in mop-up obligation all through the season, it’s clear White was subsequent in line behind Hyatt. Even earlier than this recreation, a majority of his catches on the 12 months got here with Milton throwing him the ball, they usually have been establishing a transparent relationship.

Friday night time’s efficiency might have been a preview of what these two could possibly do as a duo subsequent 12 months. Bru McCoy and Ramel Keyton will nonetheless be key at wideout, however White brings a ton of potential because the big-play man over the center, and he may additionally pull a Jones and double as a return specialist if wanted.