$400,344 Million 5-Star Player return’s To Tennessee…
Finally, some positive news: Gerald Mincey will return for the 2024 season. The starting right tackle for Tennessee made his comeback known on Monday night by announcing on his X account that he had signed a 2024 season contract with the Volunteer Club.
The Volunteer Club is Tennessee’s NIL collective partner, for reference.
Prior to the 2022 season, the former Florida Gator transferred in and quickly had a significant impact on Tennessee. The 337-pound, 6-foot-6 tackle was once rated as a three-star prospect. For Tennessee, Mincey started nine games in 2022 and six in 2023. He made 11 appearances in all, accumulating 447 snaps. Mincey gave up just two sacks in the entire season.
With John Campbell returning to the offensive line, Mincey and Campbell will be solid veteran choices at tackle going into the 2024 campaign. Although they haven’t made their plans public yet, senior guard Javontez Spraggins and senior center Cooper Mays did not attend the Senior Day festivities against Vanderbilt.
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Tennessee showing interest in multiple defensive backs..
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Tennessee’s secondary is currently undergoing a complete makeover. It’s not shocking at all given the depth chart’s senior concentration. Security The eligibility of cornerback Kamal Hadden and quarterback Jaylen McCollough expired. In an apparent attempt to make some additional NIL money, players like Doneiko Slaughter, Warren Burrell, Tamarion McDonald, De’Shawn Rucker, and Brandon Turnage have chosen to play their final season or seasons of eligibility somewhere else.
The roster turnover looks rough on paper, but Tennessee has recruited well at the position. Those younger players are going to get their chances starting in the spring, but you’d still like to have some veteran depth to pair with them.
This week, Tennessee made some moves in hopes of bolstering that depth. Three new offers went out to defensive backs, which makes sense after the exodus we’ve seen over the past several days.
Here are the names to know.
Jermod McCoy, Oregon State
After head coach Jonathan Smith left the Beavers to join Michigan State, McCoy, who just finished his first season, entered the program. In his lone collegiate football season, the 6-0, 170-pound defensive back was active, swatting away seven passes and picking off two. Formerly, McCoy was a three-star prospect.
Oregon, Texas A&M and Oklahoma are also players here as McCoy is set to cash in on a big-time freshman season.
McCoy visited Tennessee on Wednesday.
McCoy visited Tennessee on Wednesday.
Devon Marshall, Villanova
Tennessee sent out an offer to Marshall earlier this week. He hits the portal following his sophomore season, where he was credited with 11 pass break-ups and 47 total tackles. Marshall entered the portal back on December 11th.
Mississippi State, NC State, Vanderbilt, Houston, Indiana, Pitt, Boston College, Cincinnati and West Virginia have also offered Marshall to this point. The 6-0, 200 pound defensive back would have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Trey Jones, Central Michigan
One of Tennessee’s most recent offers listed on the transfer portal is for Trey Jones. Originally from Alabama, the Central Michigan safety moved north to play for the Chippewas. With over 40 games played, the 6-2 safety has 188 total tackles, three interceptions, and a strong game record. In 2024, Jones will be a super senior in his sixth year.
Remember that Tennessee still has the option to bring back Wesley Walker and Gabe Jeudy-Lally. In the upcoming weeks, we’ll learn more about those decisions.