Marquez North Set for Breakout Season with Tennessee Volunteers in 2014

By Tyler Brett @atylerbrett on August 14, 2014

The Tennessee Volunteers are in the midst of a major rebuilding job under Butch Jones. The Vols have an extremely young team that will be looking to take the next step in 2014 after finding a way to be extremely competitive for much of the 2013 season. As that youth finds its legs as veterans this fall, the Tennessee playmakers will step up as breakout stars. None of them will likely break out quite like wide receiver Marquez North, who should emerge as one of the top pass catchers in the SEC in 2014.

Tennessee had the second-worst passing offense in the SEC last season but North still found places to shine. He led the team as a freshman with 496 yards receiving on 38 catches with one touchdown in 11 games. Those numbers aren’t indicative of North’s talent and he’s put in the work to bulk up this offseason to take the Vol passing attack to the next level. His route-running has improved greatly and he has embraced his role as a leader on the offense despite just being a sophomore.

Justin Worley has an opportunity to defend his starting quarterback job and take his game to the next level in 2014. He’s shown a greater grasp of the offense during the spring and has led the team with a renewed sense of confidence. Helping his confidence is the continued development of North on the outside. With a solid No. 1 receiver like North coming into his own, Tennessee’s passing attack should take a serious step forward this season and give the Vols a strong push forward this fall.

The Vols have a ton of room to grow in 2014 but have the pieces in place to be a very dangerous team in the SEC. Marquez North has the talent to be one of the best pass-catchers in the SEC this fall. Will he live up to his potential and lead Tennessee to greater success?

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