One major issue that would be solved by the Tennessee Vols bringing Quavaris Crouch back to Knoxville
On Friday, it was reported that former Tennessee Vols linebacker Quavaris Crouch entered the NCAA transfer portal. Crouch, a former four-star recruit, signed with the Vols during the 2019 recruiting cycle. He spent two years at Tennessee before transferring to Michigan State after the 2020 season. The Charlotte, NC native was facing an uphill battle […]
On Friday, it was reported that former Tennessee Vols linebacker Quavaris Crouch entered the NCAA transfer portal.
Crouch, a former four-star recruit, signed with the Vols during the 2019 recruiting cycle. He spent two years at Tennessee before transferring to Michigan State after the 2020 season.
The Charlotte, NC native was facing an uphill battle to start for the Spartans in 2022, which is likely why he's entering the transfer portal. If he transfers to Tennessee or another FBS program, he will have to sit out a year unless he receives a waiver (or unless he's a graduate transfer, but it's unclear if he's graduated yet).
Tennessee could use Crouch in 2022 to address a major issue the team faced under Josh Heupel in 2021. But it's not an issue on the defensive side of the ball.
The Vols didn't have a lot of problems on offense under Heupel last season. One major issue, though, was Tennessee's short-yardage attack. There were numerous situations where the Volunteers needed a yard or two for a first down and couldn't convert.
Crouch, who is 6-foot-2/230 lbs, was a stud running back in high school. He rushed for 3,142 yards and 31 touchdowns in his junior season at Harding University.
Tennessee could use Crouch as a hybrid linebacker/short-yardage running back (like they did with AJ Johnson during the Derek Dooley days). Or they could move him full-time to running back. Either way, Crouch could help solve the Vols' short-yard woes — there aren't many players who are going to stop that big of a running back at the line of scrimmage.
For now, it's unclear if Tennessee will even be an option for Crouch. But I think it would be wise for Heupel and his staff to at least explore a reunion. There's no doubt he could be a beneficial player for the Vols.
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel, Knoxville News Sentinel via Imagn Content Services
