There's a player in the NCAA transfer portal the Vols need to immediately pursue
The Tennessee Vols' roster is in much better shape this season than it was a year ago. Tennessee has significantly more depth than it did in 2021. But there's one position where depth could still be a major concern in 2022. The Vols' running back room is thin. There's plenty of talent, but there's not […]
The Tennessee Vols' roster is in much better shape this season than it was a year ago.
Tennessee has significantly more depth than it did in 2021. But there's one position where depth could still be a major concern in 2022.
The Vols' running back room is thin. There's plenty of talent, but there's not nearly enough depth.
Earlier this offseason, Tennessee added former Clemson running back Lyn-J Dixon to the room. He only lasted a few practices though before leaving the program. Currently, the Vols are set to roll with Jabari Small, Jaylen Wright, Dylan Sampson, and Justin Williams-Thomas.
If everyone stays healthy, there won't be any issues. But a couple of injuries and running back depth could quickly become a huge concern.
Tennessee could certainly use another running back. And this late in the summer, there aren't many available.
Fortunately for the Vols, Penn State running back Caziah Holmes entered the portal last week.
Holmes is a former four-star recruit in the class of 2020 who has seen limited action with the Nittany Lions during his first two years with the program (56 carries for 254 yards and two touchdowns).
The Florida native has been talking to Marshall, Western Kentucky, UNLV, and even Florida (according to Mike Farrell).
Tennessee should be on the phone ASAP with Holmes trying to get him to Knoxville. While he's unlikely to be a star player in the SEC, Holmes would still give the Vols some much-needed depth (and help UT avoid having to play a walk-on if things go drastically south).
The one problem here is the NCAA (like always). Holmes entered the transfer portal after July 1, which means he would need a waiver from the NCAA to play this season.
Tennessee is currently awaiting a waiver decision on wide receiver Bru McCoy (who transferred from USC). I'm not sure they'd want to sweat it out with another player.
However, it's not like the Vols would need Holmes for week one of the regular season. They could wait a few weeks into the season to get the waiver for Holmes and still have him for the second half of the season (assuming the waiver is granted). If Holmes is needed, that's likely when it would be.
Tennessee doesn't have many solutions to their running back depth problem right now. Pursuing Holmes might be their best option.
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
