Tennessee is chipping away. The avalanche is coming.
You may have noticed that the Vols haven’t connected on as many deep passes as they have in the past, particularly in 2022 when it seemed head coach Josh Heupel could dial up an 80-yard touchdown pass at will. Well, that isn’t happening as often this year. Trust me. It will.
The Vols are setting up mountains of video evidence that they can do more than they did in 2022. If you’re an opposing coach, what do you prepare for moving forward? The defensive schemes the Vols have faced in the first two games have varied, but they’ve had one thing in common, especially among defensive backs. When in doubt, drop back. That means less opportunities for the Vols’ receivers. No worries.
“It’s not frustrating at all,” Tennessee receiver Squirrel White said. “We have a deep running back room back there. If we need to block, we’ll block. We’ll be physical. When our time comes, our time will come, and we’ll execute.”
That’s quite sporting of White, but let’s be honest: he, you and I want to see big, explosive passing plays. Those plays were evident against Chattanooga, but those don’t really count considering the level of the opponent. They weren’t a part of the Vols’ offense against North Carolina State as Tennessee relied on a more methodical, ground-based attack.
Tennessee ran for 249 yards against the Wolfpack, but only had two completions over 20 yards and one of those went to running back Dylan Sampson. However, Tennessee’s longest play of the game was indeed a long completion to White, who caught a 45-yard pass.
“We have the little tablets over there,” White said referring to the Vols’ sideline exchange that set up the long play. “We saw (the look we wanted). We went back to it and then we executed.”
White, who can also return punts, isn’t like the Vols’ other receivers. He’s smaller, but shiftier, which could make him a perfect fit for a starring role at slot receiver, which is where Jalin Hyatt became a nationwide phenomenon in 2022 and won the Biltnikoff Award as the top receiver in the nation. That’s probably impossible to replicate now that opposing defensive coaches know that they could get embarrassed if they don’t defend that offensive approach better than they did two years ago.
With the Vols’ depth at receiver, personal receiver awards may be a thing of the past. However, that explosive offense that can complete one deep pass after another is still in the playbook. Norman, Okla., might be a good location to showcase what the Vols do best.
