Dont'e Thornton's Slow Start Could Pick Up

With the bye week approaching for the Tennessee Volunteers, it is time to evaluate how newly transferred wide receiver Dont'e Thornton has done thus far. Overall, it has been a quiet start for the former Oregon Duck. 

This season, Thronton has just 7 catches for 89 yards. Out of all of those yards, 53 came against the Florida Gators in a loss in Gainesville. Otherwise, Thornton has been quiet through the first five games of the season. He did not play at all against the South Carolina Gamecocks. Thornton has been coming off a great year at Oregon with a yards per reception average of 21.5. It shows that he has the ability to get open and make plays in the field when he is given the opportunity to do so.

One of the biggest news stories to break from Tennessee's win over South Carolina was the injury that ended Bru McCoy's season. This leaves a hole in Tennessee's receiver room and it allows Thornton to see more targets and possibly flourish through the rest of the season. Tennessee's passing game could be better this season. They rank 9th in the SEC in total passing yards thus it may not be all on Thornton for his lack of production, the Vols may have to get him the ball more. 

The injury to McCoy almost forces the issue since Tennessee's receiving core is stretched thin. With Squirrel White and Ramel Keyton still in, Thornton can play in the slot which is where he played a lot at Oregon. This can get him more comfortable within the Vols offense again. Tennessee's receivers have until next Saturday when they play Texas A&M to find out exactly what they are made of when it comes to replacing McCoy. For Thornton, it could be an opportunity to step up big and make himself known.