Tennessee football’s top five true freshmen most likely to play in 2022
Scouting Report. 5'10 160 lbs. 2. 839. Pick Analysis. Wide receiver. Squirrel White. player
He may not become the starting slot receiver, but Marquarius “Squirrel” White’s speed could make him a return specialist for Tennessee football.
Tons of praise has been heaped upon every slot receiver for Tennessee football with Jalin Hyatt leading the way. Jimmy Calloway is second, which is why Squirrel White is likely not going to find a way in that rotation under new receivers coach Kelsey Pope. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a role for him as a true freshman.
White could join Jimmy Holiday and help with kickoff and punt returns. In fact, given Holiday’s experience with kickoff returns specifically and Trevon Flowers’ issues on punt returns last year, there are plenty of reasons to bet on White becoming the starting punt returner for the Vols.
Coaches have been praising White all fall camp, and his speed was something we already knew about. As a result, he’s a freshman who could have an immediate impact based on what he does for the Vols on special teams. Sure, he’s still got to fight for a job there, but he seems to be a favorite when it comes to landing one.
Of course, White is so unique that Josh Heupel and Alex Golesh could mix him in on gadget plays as well. Chas Nimrod was the standout receiver in the spring, but he plays wideout, and Cedric Tillman is still there. On the other side, Ramel Keyton, Walker Merrill and USC Trojans transfer Bru McCoy all are ahead of Nimrod and Kaleb Webb.