Tennessee Vols upperclassman that was battling for a starting job enters NCAA transfer portal
A Tennessee Vols upperclassman that was battling for a starting job this offseason is hitting the NCAA transfer portal. Redshirt junior offensive tackle Larry Johnson announced his intentions to enter the NCAA transfer portal on Sunday morning. "I have been truly blessed to be welcomed into the Vols family and to cross paths with incredible […]
A Tennessee Vols upperclassman that was battling for a starting job this offseason is hitting the NCAA transfer portal.
Redshirt junior offensive tackle Larry Johnson announced his intentions to enter the NCAA transfer portal on Sunday morning.
"I have been truly blessed to be welcomed into the Vols family and to cross paths with incredible people who have helped shape me both on and off the field," wrote Johnson in a social media post. "To Coach (Josh) Heupel, Coach (Glen) Elarbee, and the entire Tennessee staff, thank you for believing in me, challenging me, and helping me grow as both a player and a man. The opportunity to wear the orange and white and represent this program is something I'll forever be grateful for. Your guidance and trust meant the world to me. and I'll carry those lessons for life. To my brothers-thank you for embracing me like family. The bond we built goes beyond the game. From film sessions and workouts to every rep we took together on the field, I'm better because of each of you. It's been an honor.
"After much thought and prayer. I've decided to enter the transfer portal. This was not an easy decision, but one l feel is right for my path moving forward. Thank you, Vol Nation, for all the love and support. I'll carry the memories, lessons, and relationships with me into this next chapter."
Johnson was battling true freshman David Sanders Jr for the starting right tackle job ahead of the 2025 season.
Sanders, a former highly touted five-star recruit, was the favorite to win the job.
Johnson, however, would've provided important depth for the Vols this fall and almost certainly would've played some key snaps for Tennessee at some point in 2025.
Building offensive line depth in the NIL/transfer portal era of college football is a nearly impossible task. Johnson likely won't have any issues finding a new home in the transfer portal as offensive linemen are in high demand this time of year.
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