JUST IN: Tennessee Volunteers loose two DB players to the transfer porter

The Tennessee Volunteers keep losing defensive backs to the transfer portal

The Tennessee Volunteers continue to lose defensive backs to the transfer portal.

Brandon Turnage, Warren Burrell, Jack Luttrell, and Doneiko Slaughter were the first defensive backs to throw their name into the portal. Then, on Monday, Tamarion McDonald and De’Shawn Rucker also added their names to the list.

However, those 6 players are not the only defensive backs who will not return to Rocky Top in 2024. Jaylen McCollough and Kamal Hadden have exhausted their eligibility and cannot return. This means the Vols are likely losing 8 corner backs this offseason.

The team will likely make some additions in the transfer portal considering the depth is very thin now.

The secondary will be short-handed for the Citrus Bowl

The Vols are slated to play against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day. At this rate, it appears that the Vols will turn to several young players to fill in for that game. McCollough will play in the game, and Gabe Jeudy-Lally should still be around as well. Other options currently on the roster include Wesley Walker, Rickey Gibson, and Jourdan Thomas.

McDonald and Slaughter will likely be the most impactful losses among those who entered the portal. McDonald had 40 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 INT for the Vols in 2023. Slaughter racked up 32 tackles and 1 sack.