Former LSU offensive tackle Lance Heard is trending toward Tennessee football, including showing up in the student directory. The lineman is one of the top players in the transfer portal.

With Heard trending towards the Vols, here are some things to know about him.

Heard can have an instant impact for Tennessee

With Gerald Mincey transferring to Kentucky and John Campbell Jr. working out at right tackle on social media, the path is clear for Heard to work at left tackle for the Vols.

Heard entered the portal seeking playing time, but it wasn’t because he couldn’t get on the field. Instead, he was behind two All-SEC caliber tackles at LSU. Heard was often the first lineman off the bench for the Tigers.

The 6-foot-6, 340-pound lineman graded out as a 67.5 on PFF for run blocking, and a 75.0 pass blocker in about 100 snaps this season. That is higher than Mincey, who graded out as one of the worst in the lineman in the SEC.

Penalties were an issue for Heard in his limited work, but there often wasn’t a drop-off when he came in. He did play most of his snaps at right tackle.

Heard is a former five-star prospect

Every recruiting outlet had Heard as a five-star prospect out of high school except ESPN.

247Sports ranked Heard as the No. 16 overall prospect in the 2023 class. He also ranks as the No. 3 offensive tackle and the No. 2 prospect out of Louisiana.

On3 ranked Heard as the No. 11 prospect overall and the No. 2 offensive tackle. He also ranked as the No. 2 offensive tackle.

Rivals ranked Heard as the No. 27 prospect in the 2023 class, and the No. 3 offensive tackle. He was also the No. 2 prospect out of Louisiana according to Rivals.

ESPN has Heard as the No. 51 prospect in the 2023 class and the No. 3 offensive tackle. He was also the No. 3 prospect from Louisiana.

Heard’s scouting report from Neville High School in North Louisiana

Cooper Petagna of 247Sports spoke highly of Heard in his scouting report, calling him a clear NFL prospect.

“Verified on a college campus at 6-foot-5 1/2 and 308-pounds, possesses the ideal size and athleticism sought at the offensive tackle position.

“Transitioned from the defensive side of the ball to the right tackle position as a junior, Heard showcases the size, athleticism, and play temperament to develop into an elite level collegiate prospect at the next level. With a 7-foot plus wing span and almost 37-inch arms, the Neville standout’s combination of length and natural athleticism make him one of the more intriguing players in this year’s cycle.

“Although he’s still somewhat raw in pass protection, Heard possesses the adequate foot and body quickness to acclimate quickly at the collegiate level. He also displays good play strength and ability to finish in the run game while flashing some power but can play high at times which leads to some inconsistency in that area.

“With more time to settle into his natural role on the offensive line at the next level, we expect Heard to continue to ascend and round into of the best long term tackle prospects in the class. In terms of whether he’ll play right or left tackle at the next level, the Monroe native could play either role but will more than likely depend on how he develops as a pass protector. Projects as an all-conference prospect at the next level with the ability to outperform his current projection and develop into a day one NFL Draft choice.”