The site for transfers takes, but it also gives.
Tennessee has added some excellent talent, even if the Vols have lost ten players to the portal, including four who transferred to other SEC schools (Tyler Baron, Ole Miss; Tamarion McDonald, Ole Miss; Addison Nichols, Arkansas; Doneiko Slaughter, Arkansas).
During this session, players have until January 2nd, 2024, to submit their name into the portal. We’re keeping track of all the incomings and outgoings, offers, and possible targets. That is available for you here.
Despite the numerous exits, Tennessee has some positive news. From the outside looking in, it appears like the staff is focusing on meeting particular requirements and prioritizing quality above quantity. Let’s move chronologically, beginning with Jakobe Thomas, the defensive back.
Thomas Jakobe, Safety, RS Native of Tullahoma, Tennessee, junior Thomas signed an MTSU scholarship after high school. When he signed, he was rated as a 3-star prospect by 247, and he was the state’s 55th-ranked prospect overall.
Thomas participated in 12 games as a freshman for RS and ended ninth on the team in tackles with 37. Pro Football Focus’ Conference USA Second-Team recognition was earned by him for his four interceptions and one pass breakup.
In his second season with the Blue Raiders, Thomas showed great potential as he tied for first place with one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and third on the team with five PBUs. Moreover, he was the sole player on
the group to stop a kick. Following two seasons with the Blue Raiders, he decommitted from the Beavers, committed to the Vols in roughly two days, committed to Oregon State, and made an official visit to Tennessee through the transfer portal.
The mainstream media doesn’t give MTSU much attention, but because to YouTube, I was able to watch a video on the channel Bluechip Breakdown that recaps Thomas’s game versus Alabama from the previous season.
Although his team was outmatched athletically, you can see the improvement in athleticism that Thomas should bring to the Vols’ secondary. He plays both safety spots, has good play recognition and instincts, and should add some help in run support. The first play in the highlight reel might give you flashbacks of a specific safety and his poor angles, but I encourage you to watch the rest of the video and make your own assessments of Thomas’ game. Jermod McCoy, CB, Sophomore.
While the staff added Thomas as a safety to help out in the back end, adding a cornerback was still deemed critical. Hopefully, Jermod McCoy, who is ranked as the 7th cornerback in the portal, can help fill that void. McCoy, a 3-star prospect, signed with Oregon State in the 2023 cycle after signing from Whitehouse, Texas, where he attended high school. As a freshman, he started five games, played in twelve, and recorded multiple tackles in all but three of his games. Finished the season with 31 total tackles, two interceptions, a PBU, and a fumble recovery.
I’m a little surprised the staff hasn’t added a lineman — on either side of the ball — but maybe they’re still working on one, or they’re content with where they’re at. We’ll find out soon enough. This breakdown isn’t quite as in-depth as the previous one, but it gives you some game film so you can see what McCoy can possibly bring to the class. The film starts around the 6:50 mark. Players still have a week to submit the portal. I’m sure the coaches are working to add one or two more players while they prepare for the Citrus Bowl against Iowa on New Year’s Day.
