Some cryptic tweets from a key Tennessee Vols player have some fans concerned this week.
The Vols are currently searching for an offensive tackle in the transfer portal after right tackle Gerald Mincey entered the portal last week.
LSU transfer offensive tackle Zalance Heard is one of the Vols' top targets to replace Mincey.
There's been some speculation, though, that Heard might be an option at left tackle for Tennessee which would shift John Campbell, a Miami transfer who started at left tackle for the Vols in 2023, to right tackle.
And that's the scenario that potentially led to some tweets from Campbell that have fans concerned.
Campbell sent some tweets that referenced money keeping a smile on faces and "changes".
Campbell previously transferred from Miami to Tennessee ahead of the 2023 season. Thanks to a recent ruling, he could transfer again. Which means he has some leverage to either try to get more NIL money or to stay at left tackle. But because the transfer portal window has already closed, he can't enter the portal until the next window in late April. He could still leave Tennessee with the intent to enter the portal, but he couldn't go through spring practice with a new program.
Tennessee is in a bit of a pickle when it comes to the offensive line. They can't afford to lose Campbell, which would then put them in the market for two offensive tackles.
Who knows what's actually going on here. There are so many moving parts thanks to the mess that the NCAA has created by essentially ignoring NIL reform and transfer rules (until it was too late).
It would be absurd for Campbell to be upset about moving to right tackle. After all, Darnell Wright moved to right tackle under Josh Heupel and he was the No. 10 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft (and he had a solid rookie season for the Bears). The old left tackle vs right tackle conversation is becoming increasingly irrelevant. Both positions are incredibly important and both get paid quite well in the NFL these days.
If Campbell is angling for more money because he has leverage, then that's certainly his right. And the Vols will just have to find a way to pay up. Again, they can thank the NCAA for creating a world where roster management is a daily struggle for college head coaches.
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