On Wednesday, Josh Heupel was introduced as the 27th head coach in Tennessee football history. At his introductory press conference, Heupel answered questions about ongoing recruitment and delivered a sales pitch to the Vols while still on the transfer portal.
These players include Henry To’o To’o, Quavaris Crouch, Jahmir Johnson, JJ Peterson and Key Lawrence, all of whom entered the transfer portal after Jeremy Pruitt’s dismissal on January 18. Lawrence recently committed to the University of Oklahoma, so while it’s safe to believe he’s gone, the other four names have yet to announce their transfer destinations.
If there is any chance of bringing these players back to Tennessee’s football program, Heupel will have to do everything in his power to pull some of the magic from the initial recruitment. The importance of them returning to the squad makes the comments of the new UT coaches so important. Here’s a little of what he had to say about how to convince players to stay in Knoxville.
“At the end of the day, a family for me is defined when it comes time for the family to remain together. Let’s stay with the family. We will trust the people who are positioned to help you become what you are capable of. “
According to 247 Sports, the Vols have lost 15 members of their 2020 roster to other schools through the transfer portal. In addition, seven players are still on the portal, but are not committed, and these are the players Heupel will focus on.
Two players, Shawn Shamburger and Austin Pope, entered the portal before deciding to remain in Tennessee football. Despite all the challenges ahead, Heupel’s message remains consistent for those players who still have doubts.
“Trust me, our leadership, who I am going to bring, give us a chance for our family to become connected. We will have fun together, work hard, but we will have fun together and compete ”.
The Vols’ only foolproof transfer addition for 2021 is former Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Hendon Hooker. Auburn outside linebacker / edge-rusher Big Kat Bryant initially announced his transfer commitment to UT, but has since erased his commitment post after Pruitt and Shelton Felton’s resignation. Bryant’s status remains unknown.
But what is certain now is Heupel’s initial work. How he does when recruiting players from the Tennessee football transfer portal and assembling a technical team can make a difference in starting his management on the right foot and winning over some of those dubious fans. It will be interesting to see how things unfold in Knoxville on both fronts.