A Look at Potential Transfer Portal Options for Tennessee

A Look at Potential Transfer Portal Options for Tennessee

The transfer portal giveth and taketh away. In Tennessee's case, it has mainly been taketh away, with over 25 players departing the program, while Hendon Hooker and Chase McGrath utilized the portal to come to Tennessee. With Spring practice around the corner, Josh Heupel elected not to discuss when Tennessee would determine needs in the transfer portal, instead focusing on his current team after being asked during Monday's media availability. As one would imagine, Tennessee has engaged with guys in the portal at this point, which we will discuss here, and there will likely be plenty more players enter the portal after the Spring if the NCAA passes the proposed one-time transfer rule. 

TE Arik Gilbert

The top player to enter the transfer portal (for the second time) has always been high on the priority list for Tennessee fans. His obvious connection to Harrison Bailey has always left Tennessee an option in his recruitment. Jeremy Pruitt's staff elected not to pursue Gilbert the first time he entered the transfer portal for several reasons, namely, what he continues to work through now. Gilbert is not a likely option for Tennessee until he is able to clear up some uncertainties around him, and one source believes he could even end up at a junior college this fall. If that does not happen, a return to LSU seems most likely, as he remains enrolled in virtual classes there. 

DB Dequanteous Watts

Watts left Texas Tech to return to Atlanta and entered the transfer portal last week. Tennessee has already been in contact, and he has an interest in playing in the SEC and staying closer to home. With plenty of eligibility left and Tennessee's need for more cornerbacks, Watts is an intriguing option to keep an eye on moving forward. He plans to announce a commitment in April. 

LB Lance Dixon

Henry To'o To'o and Quavaris Crouch are not with the team at this point, and it is unlikely either guy returns. To'o To'o has remained on the west coast and is likely to make a decision once the NCAA votes on the one-time transfer rule. While Crouch may wait for the same, Mel Tucker's Michigan State program has continued to push for his services. Tennessee is thin at linebacker and the former five-star could be a perfect fit. He committed and signed with Tim Banks at Penn State, and he is familiar with Brian Jean-Mary from Michigan. Tennessee has been in contact, and he has an interest in the Vols, according to multiple sources. Michigan remains a threat as the former home-state school could look to add him as well. If the Division 1 council passes the limited transfer rule, it would only help Tennessee's chances. He would be unlikely to get immediate eligibility at Tennessee without it, so the longer he goes without a decision, the better. Update: Dixon shocked many with a commitment to West Virginia. 

OG Willie Tyler

Tennessee expressed interest in Tyler shortly after arriving in Knoxville. He is open to the idea of playing at the SEC level, as he chose to transfer from Texas following a coaching change. Things have been quiet on this front, but as Tennessee will drastically change offensive schemes, it will be important for them to bring in linemen who can do what they need out in space. Tyler remains a name to monitor over the Spring. 

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