With portal closed, Volunteers weigh options

Tennessee football is fishing in the transfer portal, but what’s left to catch?

Sunday was the deadline for players to enter the portal and still be eligible to play in the 2022 season. But the NCAA permits two days for each school’s compliance office to process the entries, so Tuesday was the last day for new names to appear.

Some positions in the portal are thin, but others still offer a few good options.

UT’S roster is taking shape. Linebacker Aaron Willis, tight end Julian Nixon and offensive lineman James Robinson entered the portal since spring practice ended April 14.

With those three departures, UT has 78 scholarship players projected for the 2022 season, well under the maximum 85 allotted by the NCAA. That includes 69 players already on campus and nine more arriving this summer.

Here is where the Vols stand now that the portal is closed to new entries.

Vols added safeties, but what about a cornerback?

UT needed a cornerback to strengthen the SEC’S worst pass defense, but it added two safeties.

Georgia Tech transfer Wesley Walker and Ohio State transfer Andre Turrentine, who are former Ensworth teammates, committed to UT. Both mostly play safety or nickelback, but they could get a chance at cornerback.

A true cornerback was preferred. But MTSU’S Quincy Riley, an All-conference

USA performer, committed to Louisville after considering UT. There aren’t many cornerbacks left in the portal better than what UT already has, but it might try to add one.

The Vols appear to have opted for the next best thing. They added talented defensive backs who they hope can be flexible enough to bolster the secondary. If numbers are the answer to UT’S questions in the secondary, Walker and Turrentine at least provide more options.

But with UT heavy on safeties and light on proven cornerbacks, expect an experimental approach to positions in the secondary in preseason practice.

Can Tennessee get an offensive tackle in shrinking pool?

Offensive tackle is a highly valued position, and it shows in the portal.

UT added Florida transfer Gerald Mincey, who enrolled in January and competed in spring practice. The Vols return four starters on the offensive line, so Mincey is vying for the vacant tackle spot along with Jeremiah Crawford and Dayne Davis.

But the Vols have still searched for another option at offensive tackle. Vanderbilt’s Tyler Steen, for example, considered UT before committing to Alabama.

There aren’t a lot of good options remaining. Among 247Sports’ top 25 tackles in the portal, only Oregon transfer Jonah Miller is not committed.

Five additional tackles were graded higher or the same as Mincey by 247Sports, either coming out of high school or as a transfer.

They’re all reserve linemen at Power 5 programs who likely wouldn’t crack the rotation at UT, which means the Vols’ offensive line may be set.

Will USC’S Bru Mccoy commit to Vols?

UT has long been the presumed destination for Southern Cal transfer Bru Mccoy, a wide receiver and former five-star recruit. If he commits soon, it will check a box for a key need this offseason.

Cedric Tillman, who’s coming off a 1,000-yard season, returns as an outside receiver. Jalin Hyatt is the frontrunner at slot receiver after a strong spring. Mccoy could fill the other outside receiver spot.

Jimmy Holiday, Ramel Keyton and Jimmy Calloway also should factor into the rotation.

But Mccoy, a physical 6-foot-3, 220pounder, has the tools and talent to make an immediate impact.

Mccoy had a turbulent time at USC. But in 2020, he had 21 receptions for 236 yards and two TDS in six games during a Covid-shortened season. He was projected to be a standout for the Trojans last season.

But Mccoy’s 2021 season was derailed by his July 24 arrest on suspicion of felony intimate partner violence. He was temporarily removed from USC’S roster, but not criminally charged. He never played again for the Trojans and entered the portal.

With or without Mccoy, expect the Vols to look at Jaylon Robinson, who played under UT coach Josh Heupel at Central Florida. Robinson had 979 receiving yards in 2020 and struggled through injuries in 2021.

Did Aaron Willis’ exit make linebacker a big need?

Linebacker was a minor need in the portal, but Willis’ transfer may make it a higher priority.

UT returns starters Jeremy Banks (128 tackles, 11⁄ 12 for loss) and Aaron Beasley (84 tackles) and experienced backup Solon Page III (39 tackles, one interception return for TD).

But depth and overall upgrades are needed. Juwan Mitchell, who transferred from Texas in 2021, could help. But he’s still recovering from a season-ending shoulder injury.

More than 100 linebackers are in the portal and not committed. Vanderbilt’s Alston Orji, Kansas State’s Brandon Jennings, Washington’s Will Latu and Indiana’s Cameron Williams are former fourstar recruits like Willis.

Freshman edge rushers better than transfers

In January, Albany transfer Jared Verse, 247Sports’ top-rated edge rusher in the portal, chose Florida State over UT. It demonstrated the Vols were looking to improve their pass rush.

Four months later, the best edge rushers have committed to other schools, and UT’S freshmen may be a better source of depth.

Some traditional defensive ends are still in the portal. But they are mostly former three-star prospects who didn’t pan out at their first school or reserve players looking for a fresh start. So if UT adds an edge rusher or defensive end, it likely will be for depth rather than an impact player.