Vols WR Marquez North Among NFL.COM’s Breakout SEC Players

Vols fans are well aware of the star potential of sophomore wide receiver Marquez North.

NFL.com believes that in 2014 that the rest of the nation will be made aware of that star potential.

North was listed among ten potential SEC breakout players by NFL.com on Wednesday morning.

From NFL.com

"With all the quarterback woes Tennessee had last year, there was no way for North to show the nation exactly how good he is. Still, he managed to grab 38 catches for 496 yards as a freshman. With better quarterback play, he could have done far more. He’s among the biggest receivers in the SEC and knows how to use his size and strength, yet he can also get open with speed, and make amazing catches like this one. “He has that look in his eye that he is chasing greatness,” said UT coach Butch Jones. With Dorial Green-Beckham‘s ouster from Missouri, North is the most talented receiver returning in the SEC East. If the Vols can get him the ball enough, there is no telling what kind of season he could put up in 2014."

North finished his freshmen campaign with 38 catches for 496 yards and one touchdown.

The star potential of North shined through the talented wide receiver last year when he made a spectacular one-handed catch against South Carolina to help set up the game-winning field goal.

North also had a incredible toe-tapping touchdown against Georgia that was responsible for the USA Today ” college football photo of the year“.

Oct 5, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Marquez North (8) catches a pass against Georgia Bulldogs linebacker

Amarlo Herrera

(52) for a touchdown during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

I tend to agree with NFL.com that 2014 will be the year of Marquez North in the SEC East. The North Carolina native will have additional help this season in the form of JuCo transfer Von Pearson and highly touted freshman wide receiver Josh Malone, which should only help North’s production.

For more on the Vols, make sure to follow us on Twitter @AllforTennessee