The much-anticipated news in the transfer portal saga for the Tennessee Vols seems poised to arrive after weeks of anticipation. As per insights from 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong, offensive tackle Zalance Heard, transferring from LSU, is on the verge of joining Tennessee through the portal.
The urgency for an offensive tackle became pronounced for the Vols following the departure of Gerald Mincey, a key player who transferred from Florida and held the starting position for Tennessee in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, subsequently opting for Kentucky.
Zalance Heard, a former five-star recruit, brings a promising addition to the Vols. He showcased his talents in 12 games during his true freshman year at LSU, even securing one start. The expectation is that the Monroe, LA native will assume the left tackle position for Tennessee in the upcoming 2024 season, prompting a shift for John Campbell from left to right tackle.
John Campbell, who played left tackle last season after his transfer from Miami to Tennessee, hinted at his acceptance of the position change. A recent video shared by Campbell showed the veteran offensive lineman working from a right tackle stance, indicating his readiness for the shift.
While the potential addition of Zalance Heard addresses the offensive tackle gap, the Vols remain vigilant in bolstering their offensive line through the transfer portal. The left guard position remains uncertain as the offseason begins. Although there are internal options on the roster, including Andrej Karic and Vysen Lang, exploring potential upgrades through the transfer portal is seen as a prudent move for Tennessee.