National media outlet calls one transfer need 'urgent' for the Tennessee Vols
The Tennessee Vols have several needs they need to address in the NCAA transfer portal this offseason. And 247Sports called one of those needs "urgent" this week. 247Sports named wide receiver, defensive line, and tight end as the Vols' biggest transfer needs. The need at tight end was described as urgent. From 247Sports: Roster management […]
The Tennessee Vols have several needs they need to address in the NCAA transfer portal this offseason.
And 247Sports called one of those needs "urgent" this week.
247Sports named wide receiver, defensive line, and tight end as the Vols' biggest transfer needs. The need at tight end was described as urgent.
From 247Sports: Roster management is top priority for Josh Heupel ahead of the Early Signing Period and Citrus Bowl prep. The Volunteers added portal talent at wide receiver in recent cycles, which is the expectation this time around in a numbers game at the position. There's always a wealth of wideout talent in the portal and Tennessee is a preferred destination for many given Heupel's scheme. Tight end is another position to watch offensively. The situation is "urgent" considering only two scholarship tight ends returning.
Tennessee is losing starting tight ends Jacob Warren and McCallan Castles, leaving very little depth and experience behind.
True freshman tight end Ethan Davis looks like a potential future SEC star, but he still has some developing to do. Davis caught two passes for 33 yards in 2023.
Tennessee also has true freshman Emmanuel Okoye on the roster. Okoye is extremely athletic, but he's also extremely raw and he likely won't be counted on as a significant contributor in 2024.
The Vols recently offered UConn tight end Justin Joly, who is in the NCAA transfer portal. Joly had eight receptions for 89 yards in the Huskies' loss to Tennessee this season. He's expected to visit UT this weekend.
(Update: Joly tweeted on Thursday morning that he's no longer visiting Tennessee this weekend.)
Tennessee has a commitment from 2024 four-star Jonathan Echols, so there's plenty of young talent on the way and on the roster. But it's obvious the Vols need to add a tight end from the portal. Otherwise, there's going to be a lot of inexperience at that position for Tennessee next fall.
247Sports' characterization of the need at tight end as "urgent" for the Vols certainly seems fair.
Minor headache from the 2023 season will be present again in 2024 for the Tennessee Vols
It was definitely a frustrating moment in 2023
