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On Wednesday Josh Heupel was billed as the 27th coach in Tennessee’s rich football history. In his introductory press conference, Heupel answered questions regarding upcoming recruiting and made a sales pitch to Flights Still in 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 was fired on January 18. Lawrence recently joined the University of Oklahoma. 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 into the Tennessee football schedule, Heupel will have to do everything in his power to pull some magic out of early recruiting. The importance of their reinstatement on the roster makes feedback from new UT coaches so important. Here’s what he had to say to get the players to stay in Knoxville.
“At the end of the day, a family for me is set when the pressure is on for the family to stay together. Let’s remain a family. Let’s trust the people in place to help you become what you are capable of. “
According to 247 Sports, Flights have lost 15 members of their 2020 roster to other schools via the transfer portal. On top of that, seven players are still in the portal but not engaged, and these are the players Heupel will want to focus on.
Two players, Shawn Shamburger and Austin Pope entered the portal before deciding to stay with Tennessee football. Despite all the challenges ahead, Heupel’s message remains consistent for players who still have doubts.
“Trust me, our leadership, which I’m going to call on, gives us a chance to get our family connected. Let’s have fun together, work hard, but have fun together and compete.
The Flights’ only foolproof transfer addition for 2021 is former Virginia Tech Hokies double-threat quarterback Hendon Hooker. Auburn, linebacker / edges defender Big Kat Bryant initially announced his transfer commitment to UT but has since removed his signing post following the dismissal of Pruitt and Shelton Felton. Bryant’s status remains unknown.
But what is certain at the moment is the first job Heupel has on his plate. How he manages to recruit Tennessee football transfer portal players and build a coaching staff could make all the difference in starting his tenure on the right foot and winning over some of those dubious fans. It will be interesting to see how things develop in Knoxville on both of these fronts.
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