SEC Football: Most impactful newcomers for each team
By Dante Pryor
Tennessee Volunteers
One recurring theme for teams attempting to crack the top of the SEC is recruiting the trenches heavily out of high school and in the transfer portal. The Tennessee Volunteers are no different. The Vols signed nine offensive and defensive linemen out of high school and three in the portal. In addition, the Volunteers signed five defensive backs.
Offense tackle Darnell Right and guard Jerome Carvin are gone; transfers John Campbell, Jr. (Miami) and Andrej Karic (Texas) are plug-and-play transfers who should start this fall. Expect massive lineman and JUCO transfer Larry Johnson III to compete for a spot at tackle or guard.
Joe Milton is expected to succeed Hendon Hooker at quarterback this fall. Milton has many tools, but incoming freshman Nico Iamaleava has all the tools, and Josh Heupel’s offense is quarterback friendly.
Keep an eye on UC Davis transfer tight end McCallan Castles and incoming freshman receiver Nathan Leacock. Heupel is looking for a playmaker at wide receiver with Jalin Hyatt off to the NFL. Castles is a Dalton Kincaid-type at tight end with amazing hands and athleticism.
Leacock has the potential to be the next great receiver in the SEC. He has the size and speed right now to be a breakout freshman star.