Former Vols defender announces transfer destination; lands with familiar face

Earlier this month, Tennessee Vols defensive back De'Shawn Rucker entered the NCAA transfer portal.  Rucker is a former three-star recruit from Tallahassee that signed with Tennessee during the 2021 recruiting cycle. He was rated in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 30 safety in the nation and the No. 62 player in the state of […]

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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Earlier this month, Tennessee Vols defensive back De'Shawn Rucker entered the NCAA transfer portal. 

Rucker is a former three-star recruit from Tallahassee that signed with Tennessee during the 2021 recruiting cycle. He was rated in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 30 safety in the nation and the No. 62 player in the state of Florida. 

On Monday, Rucker announced, via an Instagram post, that he's transferring to USF where he'll be reunited with Alex Golesh, Tennessee's offensive coordinator in 2021 and 2022. 

Tennessee Vols

Rucker totaled 14 tackles and one pass breakup during his three seasons at Tennessee. He started two games during his time with the Vols (and he battled some injuries in 2023). 

Golesh led USF to a 7-6 record in 2023, his first season as USF's head coach. The previous season, USF went 1-11. 

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