There were several reasons for Sam Pendleton to sign with Tennessee. The Vols have a successful history of plugging in transfers on the offensive line. That had to be a factor.
Tennessee also had opportunity up front, replacing at least three starters. Here’s what Pendleton had to be thinking when he transferred from Notre Dame:
He could easily start at either guard position for the Vols and has even played center, which could come in quite handy this season given UT’s losses, which include former starting All-SEC center Cooper Mays. However, the biggest question about Pendleton, now that he has signed on with Tennessee, is just how will the Vols use him? Tennessee’s track record with offensive linemen in the transfer portal has been a bit hit-and-miss when they’ve been given an opportunity and actually performed on the field.
The Vols ended up with solid play from left offensive tackle Lance Heard once he felt more comfortable in the offense and overcame a sprained ankle early in the season. However, the transfer from LSU certainly wasn’t ready to hit the ground running early when his mobility and pre-snap penalties were an issue. Still, he was given a shot to work things out during games. I’m not sure that was the correct move in retrospect.
Was Heard promised a starting job? Could that have been a factor in Tennessee’s personnel decisions? I hope not.
Take a gander further back in the past and one might wonder just how easy it is to play immediately in Tennessee’s system, which is predicated on tough, interior offensive line play and, most of the time, a high-tempo pace that can test large fellows, which offensive linemen usually are.
Josh Heupel signed John Campbell, Jr. from Miami in 2023. That worked out well overall. The Vols signed offensive lineman Gerald Mincey from Florida in 2022. He was a solid pickup as a starter and solid player up front. In other words, transfers get a real shot at Tennessee and have developed over time. I’m certain Pendleton was aware of that.
My only real concern with Tennessee’s offensive linemen in the transfer portal is whether or not those prospects are promised early playing time because the Vols had to pull out the NIL wallet. Tennessee could use offensive line transfers like Pendleton, but it’s important not to overlook a talented group that has already been on campus.
Just four players from the transfer portal have signed with Tennessee this offseason: Pendleton, former Duke running back Star Thomas, former Alabama receiver Amari Jefferson and former Arizona offensive lineman Wendell Moe, Jr. The Vols haven’t been as active in the portal this season due to a re-commitment to the players currently on their roster, which has led to limited scholarships being available.
I like the entire tone of what Tennessee’s doing, growing from within and not depending on the transfer portal. Promised playing time can’t get in the way, though. That could quickly undermine the Vols’ highly touted culture.
