Lots of the returning talent for Tennessee Football involves true and redshirt freshmen who are ready to start this year. That makes up a strong sophomore class for Josh Heupel, and transfers are adding to that. Here is a look at the five most important sophomores for the Vols in 2024. Yes, all of them will start, and they are redshirt and true sophomores.
5. Jackson Ross, P
Both the Vols’ projected punter and kicker, Jackson Ross and Josh Turbyville, are redshirt sophomores. Ross, though, is the one returning starter, and he’s an All-SEC caliber punter. Heupel’s offense won’t require him to flip the field too much, but he does have great accuracy, and that was a big reason for UT beating the Texas A&M Aggies last year.
4. Jermod McCoy, DB
It’s pretty clear Tennessee Football went after the Oregon State Beavers transfer to start immediately at cornerback for them. Jermod McCoy was named a freshman All-American by various services last year and should easily step in to help a unit that has struggled severely since Heupel arrived. He’s likely a big reason Heupel is high on the Vols’ depth this year.
3. Rickey Gibson III, DB
Opposite McCoy, Rickey Gibson III will likely man the other cornerback spot. He emerged down the stretch last year as a true freshman, separating himself from Jordan Matthews, who was another highly touted cornerback in his class. Gibson could emerge as a star cornerback for Rocky Top this year, and he and McCoy could be a great combination. Both are true sophomores.
2. Lance Heard, OL
Another transfer Tennessee Football added to start immediately, Lance Heard comes to the Vols from the LSU Tigers. Heupel, Joey Halzle and Glen Elarbee expect him to step in at left tackle immediately. There’s a chance he turns into a superstar for the Vols overnight, particularly with veterans on the line like Cooper Mays and Javontez Spraggins. Heard is another true sophomore.
1. Arion Carter, LB
We heard a lot about Arion Carter last year. He was the Nico Iamaleava of the defense, and it was assumed that once Aaron Beasley graduated, Carter would step into that outside linebacker role. Well, Beasley is gone, and it’s time for Carter to live up to the hype. A true sophomore, Carter has no excuse not to emerge into a star this year.
