Vols Football: Von Pearson Loves Playing From The Slot

Vols newcomer Von Pearson looks like a typical wide receiver that plays on the outside.

He’s a fast 6’3″ receiver that screams deep threat.

So when Tennessee wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni told Pearson that he’d be playing quite a bit from the slot, he was understandably skeptical. Pearson said “When he [Azzanni] first told me I was going to play slot, I was like I’ve never played slot a day in my life. I’ve played outside my whole life.”

But now Pearson has warmed to the idea of playing slot, saying “I thought it was going to be a little shaky, but now I’m starting to like it”.

The Virginia native pointed out that he’ll still play on the outside some. Pearson also said that Azzanni has installed plays specifically designed for him to go outside.

Moving around has been a theme for Tennessee wide receivers this fall. It won’t be just Pearson moving around.

Azzanni described the Vols’ philosophy on wide receiver positioning during media day on Thursday.

"Azzanni: We have done a great job this camp of everybody’s been playing everywhere. I don’t think you can go out there and say ok that guy’s the slot, that guy’s the X, that guy’s the Z. I’ve always said that’s what we always wanted to do, get different guys in different areas for different skill sets."

The Vols are going to be moving receivers all over the place this season.