Cordarrelle PattersonKNOXVILLE – Darin Hinshaw tapped his temple with his right index finger.
Tennessee’s receivers coach used the simple gesture to locate where the next step is for touted newcomer Cordarrelle Patterson.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound junior college transfer undoubtedly has the natural tools as he’s shown gliding effortlessly around the Volunteers’ practices for nearly a week, but becoming as comfortable mentally as he is physically is the next crucial step in his development.
“This kid’s potential is through the roof,” Hinshaw said after Wednesday morning’s practice, “and we’ve got to get him right up here understanding how to do everything.”
Most of practice is closed to the media, but players have put Patterson at the same talent level as fellow wideouts Da’Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter. They say he’s been as advertised, and he’s been the Vols’ third receiver during open periods of workouts. A potential kickoff returner as well, the dreadlocked Patterson has been what UT expected he’d be.