Former Vols player says he transferred from Tennessee because he 'needed more'
Offensive lineman Addison Nichols was one of several players who left the Tennessee Vols football program this offseason. Nichols, a former four-star recruit who signed with Tennessee during the 2022 recruiting cycle, transferred to Arkansas earlier this offseason after spending two seasons with the Vols. The Georgia native is currently operating as the Razorbacks' first […]
Offensive lineman Addison Nichols was one of several players who left the Tennessee Vols football program this offseason.
Nichols, a former four-star recruit who signed with Tennessee during the 2022 recruiting cycle, transferred to Arkansas earlier this offseason after spending two seasons with the Vols.
The Georgia native is currently operating as the Razorbacks' first team center in spring practice.
In late January, Nichols spoke with Best of Arkansas Sports and he explained why he left Tennessee.
“Coach (Josh) Heupel is a great guy, a great coach and has a great program,” said Nichols. “Couldn’t say a bad thing about him. Definitely learned a lot through my time there, but at the end of the day, I just didn’t see myself hitting my full potential in the room I was in."
“Like I said, nothing bad to say about the program at Tennessee," added Nichols. "There’s some great people, Coach Heupel does a tremendous job with the program and culture. I learned a lot about football and being a man during my time there. It’s just one of those things where, looking forward, I needed more.”
Nichols saw limited action during most of his two seasons with the Vols, playing mostly in a backup role and on special teams.
It looked like Nichols was poised to see more action in 2024, though, after playing 67 snaps at guard in Tennessee's win against Vanderbilt to end the 2023 regular season.
Nichols, however, felt like there was a better situation out there for him. And he found that situation at Arkansas. Fortunately, it appears there's no "bad blood" between Nichols and Tennessee, though I'm sure fans will find his comments about "needing more" a bit curious.
Nichols will face his old teammates on October 5 when the Vols visit Fayetteville for a matchup with Arkansas.
