The tight end position has become a big talking point in Josh Heupel’s offense.

The production of Princeton Fant, McCallan Castles and Jacob Warren played an important part in that discussion.

They all helped Tennessee’s offense in a big way over the last three years

But all three players are gone now.

The tight end position will have a new look with its personnel this spring.

Here’s a look at Tennessee’s new group of tight ends entering spring practice.

BIG STORY

Tennessee targeted Holden Staes as a must-get player in the transfer portal.

And the Vols got him.

Staes (6-4, 242) spent the past two seasons at Notre Dame and has the size needed to play in the SEC.

He’s also shown the ability to make tough catches.

Staes’ top game at Notre Dame came last season against North Carolina State.

Staes caught four passes for 115 yards and two touchdowns.

The Vols would love to see that kind of production on a consistent basis.

Staes looked at Tennessee’s offense as an opportunity to do even more as a receiver.

Don’t overlook Staes’ ability as a blocker, either.

The Vols need their tight ends to help in the run game.

Staes, along with Alabama tight end transfer Miles Kitselman, will use this spring to learn Tennessee’s offense and understand their roles in it.

SPRING STAR

Tennessee hopes Ethan Davis will make a big jump entering his second season.

He was a highly-touted player in the 2023 class and made an impressive catch in last year’s Orange & White Game.

That catch was on the receiving end of a highlight-worthy throw from Nico Iamaleava.

Can Davis and Iamaleava re-establish that connection this spring? For more on this story as well as insider info, access and interaction with the Off The Hook staff and great prizes, join Hooker’s Corner. Join now before we start spilling into the streets. Weekly prizes  and monthly grand prizes are constantly shipping out. Also, thoughts on topics that YOU would like to see covered, send a message to Dave and the gang.