The Big Orange Report Jan. 30, 2025


 Vols Add Four Transfers (So Far)

Tennessee had added four new additions from the transfer portal thus far and the players are considered significant recruits at positions of perceived need. Two offensive linemen, a running back and a young wide receiver are on campus and enrolled for spring semester in school. UT is also waiting for an answer from the NCAA on an appeal from starting left guard Andrej Karic asking for another year of eligibility. The newcomers are:
Amari Jefferson- Wide receiver (6-0, 200, 4.5) from Alabama-- Jefferson is a Baylor School graduate who elected to sign with the Crimson Tide last year after a tug of war with Tennessee. He will be a redshirt freshman and stated that he got homesick while in Tuscaloosa. Jefferson was one of the highest rated wide receiver prospects in the nation in the Class of 24.
Wendell Moe-- Offensive Guard (6-3, 339) from Arizona-- Tennessee lost veteran right guard Javontaz Spraggins and Moe is expected to step right into that spot. He was a two-year starter for Arizona and was named a second team All-Pac 12 selection in 2023. He was also recruited by Auburn, Miami and others before joining the Vols.
Star Thomas-- Running back (6-0, 210, 4.55) from Duke-- This durable running back has one year of eligibility remaining after playing for New Mexico State and Duke. This past season Thomas led the Blue Devils in rushing with 871 yards and seven touchdowns and he caught 20 passes for 153 yards and one score. He fit the requirements for a UT running back room that needed some experience and depth added.
Sam Pendleton-- Inside Offensive Lineman (6-4, 315) from Notre Dame-- A big, strong interior lineman that will be a prospect for guard or maybe even the center position. He started seven games for the Irish in 2024 and will have three years of eligibility remaining for college ball.
Note: Moe and Pendleton played a combined 1273 offensive snaps this past season and yielded only one sack, six quarterback pressures and six quarterback hits.  
The staff is still in the market for two or three more transfers that might be available after spring drills and the completion of this school semester. Another offensive lineman, a defensive safety and a linebacker are positions that would add some depth and skill for next season.
Banks Contract
Defensive coordinator Tim Banks recently signed a new three year deal with Athletic Director Danny White and the University. Special teams coach Mike Ekeler and secondary coach Willie Martinez have contracts that expire this week but both are expected to ink new deals. Head coach Josh Heupel is very much like former coach Phil Fulmer in the fact that he is very loyal to his assistants and obviously does not want to fire any of them.
Show and Tell
It is a crucial week for the men's basketball squad. After dropping a hard fought, defensive battle at Auburn over the weekend, Coach Rick Barnes and his team have an opportunity to right the ship with two home games against ranked teams. The Kentucky Wildcats limp into Knoxville with a two game losing streak on Tuesday. This one airs on ESPN at 6 CST. On Saturday at 11 am, a very talented Florida Gators team will challenge the Vols' home court advantage. This contest will also be broadcast on ESPN.
Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell has returned after giving birth to a son, Conor, eight days ago. After facing the powerful South Carolina team on Monday evening, the UT women will travel to Missouri for a Sunday matinee. This team is still improving and the guess here is that by tournament time they are going to be a tough out for any opponent that they face. 

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