Big offseason decision by Tennessee Vols appears to be working out as planned

Earlier this offseason, the Tennessee Vols made an important decision that appears to already be working out as planned. 

In January, the Vols lost starting right tackle Gerald Mincey to the NCAA transfer portal. Mincey, who started six games for Tennessee last season, transferred to Kentucky after spending the last two seasons in Knoxville. 

Tennessee went to the portal to replace Mincey and they landed LSU transfer offensive tackle Lance Heard, a former five-star recruit. 

After landing Heard, the Vols made the decision to move John Campbell from left tackle to right tackle. 

Campbell, who transferred to Tennessee from Miami after the 2022 season, started nine games at left tackle for the Vols last season. 

Anytime a player moves positions along the offensive line, there's potential for the move to not work out. 

The same goes for when a program brings in a transfer player. Due to the short amount of time that programs have to get to know a player in the portal, there are times that transfers simply aren't great fits and don't work out. 

Fortunately for the Vols, everything appears to be working out with Heard at left tackle and Campbell at right tackle. 

Campbell told reporters on Monday that the transition to right tackle is going "smooth" and that he just wants to do whatever he can to help the team win. 

As for Heard, Vols offensive line coach Glen Elarbee told reporters that he thinks the former LSU offensive lineman is adjusting really well and is "right on schedule". 

"I think he’s adjusting really, really well. I think he’s done it the right way, kind of stay quiet and speak up when he needs to," said Elarbee on Monday. "He has flashed and had some really, really good bright spots. He’s still young and we’re still working on some things technique wise. But man, he comes to work every single day. The room loves him, too. When you have to jump in and go at pace sometimes there’s a little bit of adjustment, but man, I think he’s right on schedule, right where he needs to be. He’s a joy walking in every day."

High-level offensive line play is obviously critical to success in the SEC. The Vols made some savvy moves this offseason to improve their offensive line, but you never actually know how those types of moves will work out until the players hit the field. 

So far, it seems like Tennessee nailed it when it comes to the left tackle and right tackle positions. We'll see how it translates in games this fall. But for now, it's looking like a big offseason win for the Vols.