Former Powell High School standout Walter Nolen plans to enter the transfer portal, On3 reported on Sunday night. Nolen is a former five-star prospect who passed up Tennessee football to choose the Aggies.
Nolen flirted with the transfer portal last year, but with Jimbo Fisher’s firing the move was expected this offseason.
The 6-foot-5, 230-pound defensive lineman has 2 years of eligibility remaining.
Nolen spent his senior season at Powell High School in Knoxville and took an official visit to Tennessee. He also frequented Tennessee for unofficial visits before choosing Texas A&M.
Nolen was a five-star in high school and the No. 2 prospect nationally. After a disappointing freshman year, he had a solid sophomore season for the Aggies. He posted 37 tackles and four sacks this season.
If Tennessee chooses to pursue Nolen, they will likely be one of several school after the prospect. He was the No. 1 defensive lineman and the No. 1 prospect from Tennessee in the 2022 class, according to 247Sports Composite.
Gabe Brooks of 247Sports projected Nolen to be a first-round draft pick when he was in high school. Based off his sophomore season, the defensive linemen is on an upward trajectory.
“Good height and barrel-chested build with massive overall size. Wears significant weight quite well and arrives on campus immediately capable of competing at the high-major level from a physical standpoint,” Brooks wrote.
“Not only broad and filled out, but owns good length as well. Powerful build manifests in point-of-attack disruption. Flashes consistent suddenness at the snap with playmaking speed-to-power athleticism. Punchy and violent with his hands. Closes fast in pursuit. Shows outstanding lateral range relative to size. Motor runs hot. Strong enough to make plays through blocks.
“Can also run plays down from back side. Has posted outstanding verified testing numbers for a player of his size. Heavy-handedness and activity with his big paws will become even more dangerous as pass-rush move set expands. Given his size will need to monitor conditioning and maintain athleticism, which has not been an issue to date. Deep tool set should provide for varied role and scheme versatility. One of the top overall prospects in the 2022 class. Should become impact high-major defensive lineman with NFL Draft first-round potential.”
