KNOXVILLE—If you attended the Orange and White Game, you saw a receiving corps that lacked depth and struggled to do just about everything required of wideouts at any level of football (like catch the ball, run routes, not fall down, etc). By the first practice of fall camp it was apparent the Vol receivers put in some serious work over the summer and the Tennessee receiving corps, which was recently ranked the worst in the SEC by Saturday Down South, may surprise some people this season. Here are some notes on what I’ve seen from Tennessee’s receivers and tight ends thus far.

1. Tennessee’s freshmen receivers are living up to the hype. Freshman Marquez North, rated as the No. 2 receiver in the 2013 class by Rivals, enrolled with high expectations swirling around him. Standing at 6-4, 215 pounds, North is also one of the fastest players on the team. He runs solid routes, has above average hands, and consistently draws praise from the coaching staff for his businesslike approach. Butch Jones has already stated North will be one of their “playmakers” this year. Though he may not start against Austin Peay, he may be one of the most productive receivers on the team at season’s end. Vol fans with Tyler Bray No. 8 jerseys you’re in luck: North will wear No. 8 this fall.

Though not as physically imposing as Marquez, freshmen Josh Smith and Ryan Jenkins are excellent athletes who have already shown they have a chance to be productive this year. Both Jenkins and Smith have been getting consistent reps with the second team and have even worked with the first team with some regularity. Don’t be surprised to see a healthy dose of Jenkins and Smith once the Vols take the field this fall.

Though not a freshman, Blinn sophomore transfer Johnathan Johnson has been impressive in the slot. He had an offer from Texas Tech out of high school, but their class filled up before he made a decision. Rather than play at a smaller D1 school, he chose to attend a junior college in hopes of earning another major college offer. While recruiting 2014 commit Kameel Jackson, Vol WR coach Zach Azzanni noticed Johnson and worked to get him enrolled. He’s eligible this year and will see significant playing time if his performance thus far in camp is any indication.

2. Pig Howard is starting to show consistent playmaking ability. Howard, who played in 10 games as a true freshman last year, had a rough spring. He struggled with drops, lacked mental consistency, and failed to keep up with the increased pace of play. He looks a step quicker so far in fall camp and is clearly in the best shape of his college career. He has taken the lead for the starting job in the slot position and is running away with it. While it’s still early, Pig is one player I think could be primed to have a breakout year.

3. Junior transfer tight end Woody Quinn will help in the passing game. Jones has singled out Quinn in practice numerous times. He needs to improve his physicality and play faster than he has to this point, but it’s evident the coaching staff believes he has the ability to be productive this year. They’re giving him tons of attention and helping him adjust to major college football. It may take a few games, but he’s a solid route-runner who has some of the best hands of the Vol tight ends. He’s not likely to wrestle the starting job away from junior Brendan Downs, who is having a productive fall camp, but the tandem of Downs and Quinn should see plenty of snaps this fall.