Big Orange Report January 22, 2026

Incoming Talent (Part 2)

Jordan Norman-- Defensive End/Leo (Pass Rush) (6-4, 257, 4.65) from Tulane-- Tennessee has landed the Green Wave's best pass rusher and he has two years of eligibility left for college ball. This past season Norman totaled 28 tackles, eight stops for minus yardage and six quarterback sacks. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is looking for power and the ability to bull rush the passer and Norman fits that description. He can line up at outside defensive end or as the edge pass rusher for the Vol defense.

T.J. Metcalf-- Safety (6-1, 200, 4.55) from Michigan-- A veteran defensive back who can play at safety or star (rover) positions; Metcalf made some All Big Ten checklists after the Wolverines completed the regular season. He is a downhill tackler that booked 58 stops, 2.5 tackles for loss and one interception. He is familiar with the SEC after beginning his career with the Arkansas Razorbacks where he led the conference with three interceptions in 2024. Metcalf is another defender that fits Knowles "blue print" for the kind of physical player he wants to insert in his defenses.

Donovan Haslam-- Offensive Line (6-4, 330) from West Virginia-- Tennessee adds a much-needed piece to the puzzle here with the addition of this veteran blocker. Haslam is a versatile offensive lineman that has experience playing both tackle and guard positions. He logged 444 snaps for the Mountaineers last fall and worked at both guard positions and also left tackle in the blocking front. He allowed only four quarterback pressures and no sacks. He will probably compete for the starting job at right offensive tackle during spring drills in Knoxville.

Blake Howard-- Long Snapper (6-3, 230) from Eastern Kentucky-- Howard should handle long snapping chores for Tennessee next season. He also was a mainstay on kick coverage teams and logged some snaps as a linebacker at EKU.

Trent Thomas-- Tight End (6-5, 254, 4.7) from South Alabama-- The Vol staff grabbed Thomas, a big, strong blocker, after losing a tight end to the portal last week. Thomas was used primarily as a blocker at South Alabama. He caught five passes for 39 yards this past season. He has two years of eligibility remaining for college ball.

Javin Gordon-- Running back (5-10, 200, 4.5) from Tulane-- Gordon was a freshman for the Green Wave and was in the rotation at running back. He rushed for 516 yards and five touchdowns while averaging over four yards per carry. He will have three years left on his college eligibility. Key addition at a position that needed depth.

Tevis Metcalf-- Defensive Back (5-10, 195, 4.55) from Michigan-- Metcalf is the younger brother of safety T.J. Metcalf who transferred to Tennessee last week. Tevis was a regular on Wolverine special teams. The Metcalfs grew up in Arkansas and signed with the Razorbacks before transferring to Michigan.

D.J. Burks-- Safety (6-0, 205, 4.6) from Appalachian State-- This former Maryville High School star returns to his East Tennessee roots to finish his college career with the Big Orange. Burks is a tackling machine that can play both safety positions plus the Star (Rover). In 2025 he posted 73 total tackles and had two interceptions for ASU.

Ryan Staub-- Quarterback (6-1, 200, 4.6) from Colorado-- Staub was a backup for Coach Prime the last two seasons. He did start one game last fall against Houston. He was 19 of 35 for 204 yards a touchdown and two interceptions. He is an insurance policy, a veteran quarterback that has experience. He will get a chance to compete against the high profile younger guys this spring. 

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