SHRINKING SECONDARY
VOLS WITH SIX DEFENSIVE BACKS IN PORTAL FOLLOWING MCDONALD, RUCKER DEPARTURES
To say that Tennessee’s secondary room is thinning would be quite the understatement. Senior safety Tamarion McDonald and junior cornerback De’Shawn Rucker on Monday became the fifth and sixth Volunteers defensive backs to enter the NCAA transfer portal, joining Warren Burrell, Jack Luttrell, Doneiko Slaughter and Brandon Turnage. Burrell announced Sunday night on social media that he was transferring to Georgia Tech.
McDonald, a 6-foot-2, 208-pounder from Whitehaven High in Memphis, played in 42 games for Tennessee and made 24 starts. He compiled 116 career tackles with 8.5 tackles for loss and four interceptions, notching a career-high 10 stops during the 34-20 loss at Alabama on Oct. 21.
Having signed with the Vols in 2020 and played four seasons, McDonald is able to use the extra year of eligibility implemented by the NCAA at the outbreak of the coronavirus. His decision was first reported by 247Sports.com.
Rucker started twice during the 2022 season but played much more sparingly this year.
The 6-foot, 190-pounder from Tallahassee, Florida, revealed his decision on social media, and thanked Tennessee’s coaches “for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to compete at one of the highest levels in college football. I will forever be grateful to be a part of something so special.”
The 30-day window for the transfer portal opened last Monday, with Burrell, Luttrell and Turnage entering right away. News of Slaughter’s
decision broke Friday, and he posted on social media Sunday night.
“This decision is about my personal growth and aspirations and in no way diminishes the gratitude and love I feel for the University of Tennessee,” Slaughter said.
Luttrell was a freshman who didn’t see any action this year, but the five other departures from the secondary possessed starting experience. Of course, these multiple exits from Tennessee’s defensive backfield should mean quicker opportunities to playing time for three in-state commitments — Kaleb Beasley of Lipscomb Academy, and Boo Carter and Marcus Goree Jr. of Bradley Central.
Rucker played in 12 games as a freshman in 2021 as both a reserve defensive back and on special teams. His most memorable moment two years ago was blocking a punt during the third quarter of Tennessee’s loss at Alabama.
During last season’s run to an 11-2 record and an Orange Bowl championship, Rucker played in eight games and made two starts, with his starting debut coming in the stunning defeat of the Crimson Tide inside Neyland Stadium. He notched his first career pass breakup against Alabama and came back the following week with a career-high three tackles against UT Martin.
This season, however, Rucker played only on special teams in four games against Virginia, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Alabama. Because he is able to redshirt this season, he will have two years of eligibility at his new locale.
Rucker’s departure leaves running back Jaylen Wright and defensive back Christian Charles as the only prep signees left from Tennessee’s 2021 recruiting class, with Wright a potential candidate to leave early following