Vols insider details what positions Tennessee could still be targeting in the NCAA transfer portal
The Tennessee Vols haven't been extremely active in the NCAA transfer portal during the winter transfer window. Tennessee has added just two transfers so far — Arizona offensive lineman Wendell Moe and Alabama wide receiver Amari Jefferson. The Vols' approach this winter isn't unusual. Under Josh Heupel, Tennessee has focused on making their transfer additions […]
The Tennessee Vols haven't been extremely active in the NCAA transfer portal during the winter transfer window.
Tennessee has added just two transfers so far — Arizona offensive lineman Wendell Moe and Alabama wide receiver Amari Jefferson.
The Vols' approach this winter isn't unusual. Under Josh Heupel, Tennessee has focused on making their transfer additions count. They don't throw crazy amounts of money at every big name that enters the NCAA transfer portal. Instead, they target players that they specifically feel can quickly impact the program while fitting into Tennessee's elite culture.
So far, that process has served the Vols well. Most of Tennessee's transfer additions over the last few years have contributed in a meaningful way. The Vols haven't had many "duds" when it comes to transfers.
Vols insider details what positions Tennessee could still be targeting in the NCAA transfer portal
VolQuest's Brent Hubbs joined 104.5 The Zone's Ramon, Kayla, and Will on Friday and he was asked which positions Tennessee is still targeting in the transfer portal.
Hubbs thinks the Vols want to add another wide receiver via the transfer portal and he also mentioned offensive guard, defensive line, defensive back, and running back as positions that Tennessee could target in the portal (if the fit makes sense).
"They would like to certainly add another receiver in this cycle if they can," said Hubbs. "Now the question is is there somebody they like right now. We'll see. They haven't brought anybody on campus for a visit, but I think they're certainly kicking the tires on guys who are in the portal or are going in the portal. There's still an opportunity for some guys to go in here as the college football season will conclude 10 days from now. Then you've got the spring cycle as well and what does that look like. So we'll see.
"I think Tennessee is still going to be active. And they've got the USC transfer (in town for a visit), they've had him on campus the past 24 hours, (offensive lineman) Emmanuel Pregnon. I think that's a Tennessee, Oregon [battle]. He's going to Texas next. We'll see where that one goes. So I think Tennessee would like to have an offensive guard if they can get one that they really wanted. And certainly a receiver. And then we'll see what they do on defense. They've looked at defensive linemen, will they bring one in? If the right defensive back [enters the portal], would they kick tires there? I think they would certainly look at those spots. And then running back as well, they could potentially do something whether it's now or in the spring cycle. I think you're always looking. I don't think they're taking just to take a body. It's gotta be the right fit. But you're certainly looking for potential right fits."
It sounds like Tennessee is focused on trying to solidify their depth at a couple of key positions. And that approach certainly makes sense considering that most of the Vols' starting spots are already spoken for next season. There are a few position battles that will play out in the spring and the summer (along the offensive line, specifically). But for the most part, we know who will likely be starting at most positions.
Adding depth is smart. But it can be tricky. A lot of players in the transfer portal are looking for guaranteed playing time, which isn't necessarily something that Tennessee can promise at every position (nor should they…playing time is earned on the practice field). The Vols, however, have done a good job in the past of navigating those waters. There's no reason to think this transfer cycle will be any different.
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