KNOXVILLE – In just three practices, Tennessee freshman receiver Marquez North already has caught the eye of some of his teammates.
There’s a long way to go, but a couple of the Volunteers’ defensive players said they’ve noticed No. 8 amid the grind of early August practices, and Butch Jones isn’t pumping the brakes, either.
“Marquez is still learning the little fine details of playing receiver: breaking points, releases,” Tennessee’s first-year coach said following Sunday afternoon’s practice, the Vols’ fourth of preseason training camp. “I think the big thing is stamina and endurance. In three very short practices, in a very small time, he has proven he’s going to be one of our playmakers.
“He’s dynamic, he’s strong, he’s physical, he can run and we need him offensively. What you see is when your players bring him up, it’s a level of respect right now they have for him. He’s extremely intelligent. He knows every single receiver position on the field already. We’re very, very excited about him.”
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound North was the Vols’ highest-rated signee in February’s class, and the Charlotte, N.C., product already faced some expectations before his first college practice due to how Tennessee’s receiving corps struggled during spring practice.