One of Tennessee’s most important offseason additions is a player that hasn’t been talked about that much.

In January, the Vols added Louisville transfer kicker Cooper Ranvier to replace last season’s kicker, Max Gilbert (who is now at Arkansas).

Ranvier, who is from Lexington, KY, was actually taught how to kick as a middle schooler by former Tennessee kicker James Wilhoit.

He also visited Tennessee in high school, so the Vols were on his radar when he decided to enter the transfer portal.

Ranvier, in fact, says he entered the portal specifically to transfer to Tennessee.

“I visited my junior year in the spring,” said Ranvier. “And I knew there wasn’t a massive spot open, but also I really loved the campus, and James (Wilhoit) obviously put in good words for me. Then I came back in May of that same year and kicked in front of Coach (Mike) Ekeler and Coach (Evan) Crabtree and Coach (Kyle) Blocker. And obviously, I really loved it. But opportunities come and go, and I’m just glad I’ve full circled all the way back here.”

“I pretty much joined the portal specifically to go to Tennessee,” added Ranvier of his decision.

Ranvier, who has a reputation for talking trash, will almost certainly attempt some important kicks for the Volunteers this fall.

And when he lines up for those kicks, he says only one thing will be going through his mind.

“Kick the f—ing ball.”