I have every reason to think that Tennessee’s passing attack can be lethal against Arkansas – except one. Welcome to the era of the transfer portal.
The Razorbacks have an informant on their team. I would call Doneiko Slaughter a spy, but there’s a negative connotation with that. Therefore, let’s go with informant. Here’s why.
By all accounts, Slaughter left Tennessee on his own accord. Sure, he may have been politely asked to seek another school to pursue his football endeavors. However, it’s not as if he was cut and had no where to go. Now that players are paid, and paid well, it’s hard for me to feel sorry about a player that had to move his belongings to another city to reap the rewards of his athleticism.
Slaughter has the ability to play SEC football. That’s evident by his improved play throughout this season. Slaughter struggled some initially, but has seemingly found a home at nickel for the Razorbacks. Good for him. However, his move makes things interesting in this week’s matchup between the Vols and Hawgs.
Slaughter, who is now a senior and played four seasons at Tennessee, could surely help Arkansas’ coaching staff when it comes to breaking down Tennessee’s passing game. He surely knows some of the nuances and, maybe, even some of the play calling that the Vols lean on. While I don’t think Slaughter can undermine Tennessee’s offense with some intel before the game, I do believe he knows the Vols much better than most.
Tennessee receiver Squirrel White just smiled when asked about Slaughter earlier this week. White, who plays slot receiver and could be lined up on Slaughter for much of the game, said he hasn’t spoken to Slaughter since he transferred and that he would just “see him on the field.” There doesn’t seem to be any love lost there.
It’s worth noting that much of Tennessee’s offense depends on the slot receiver position. The slot receiver, in Tennessee’s offense, along with the wideout on the same side of the field are responsible for putting opposing safeties in a bind. If Slaughter can man-up against the Vols in the slot, he could vastly improve Arkansas’ chances of not getting scorched in the defensive backfield.
There is another former Vol that will don the Arkansas red on Saturday. Offensive lineman Addison Nichols also transferred to Arkansas following the 2023 season. Nichols could also be a valuable asset leading up to the game, but I’m not sure he can have a huge impact with the way Tennessee’s defensive front has developed.
The Vols used to have to depend on exotic twists, stunts and blitzes to get pressure on the quarterback. That’s not the case any more as the Vols are able to win one-on-one battles more times than not. No, Nichols can’t help his Arkansas teammates all that much, other than just warning them how deep and good Tennessee’s defensive line is this season. I’m sure the name “James Pearce” has come up.
Slaughter, however, is in a position to help Arkansas’ coaching staff as they prepare for the Vols. He also knows the Vols’ receivers. That could all make for an interesting battle of wits on Saturday. With the No. 14 pass defense in the SEC, Arkansas seems vulnerable. I doubt Slaughter’s knowledge of the Vols can overcome that deficiency, but it sure can’t hurt the Razorbacks’ chances.
