Josh Heupel explains how instant impact from transfers can pay off for Tennessee in the future

Josh Heupel came into Rocky Top with a mountain of a task ahead, one that plenty of other high-profile coaches haven’t been able to conquer before him.

With just two regular seasons left on the slate, the Volunteers are sitting at (5-5) overall which isn’t eye-popping, but anyone who has watched Heupel’s team progress each and every week can clearly see the trjacteory of the program trending in the right direction.

It’s almost scary to think that Josh Heupel is operating with personnel he inherited, many of the same players who struggled under Jeremy Pruitt. Beyond those players are several key transfers who have bought into the vision and thrived under the new coaching staff.

The Tennessee head coach fully understands the importance of showing future recruits that Tennessee isn’t what it was in recent history. He believes it’s a destination the nations top prospects will seriously consider.

“I think the brand of football we have played, the aggressive nature, the development of young guys in our program is key,” Heupel said. “Or the success of transfers since they’ve been here, it’s an incredible recruiting tool and it’s something that’s seen not only by transfers, but by junior college players and high school players.”

Naturally, potential recruits have had a front seat to how Heupel utilizes players from all backgrounds and maximizes their skillsets.

“They understand what brand of football we have here and that there is going to be an incredible culture inside the building,” Josh Heupel responded.

“They are going to have a ton of fun in a really competitive environment with their teammates and coaches every day. They will understand they have an opportunity to maximize their potential as a player and as a student athlete.”

Josh Heupel has proven to be the man for the job

The Tennessee front man clearly understands the recent rules and trends that have transformed college football recruiting.

Heupel’s revelation that he prioritizes the transfer portal and junior college as avenues to land talent is refreshing and vital.

A simple glance at the Vols’ top playmakers are a blueprint to how Josh Heupel can continue to build a team with unique talent, loaded with players from various backgrounds and journeys.

Running back Tiyon Evans came to Knoxville by way of junior college and has been the perfect fit. In 7 games, he’s made the most of his opportunities averaging an impressive 6.5 yards on 81 carries for 525 yards and six touchdowns.

Josh Heupel runs a pass-heavy offense creating constant confusion for defenses, so Evans has embraced his role and finds chunk gains when defenses are locked into protecting the pass.

Both Tennessee quarterbacks, Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton were both acquired through the transfer portal ahead of the 2021 campaign. Hooker has been one of the biggest revelations in the SEC and Heupel has altered the offense to maximize his quarterback’s strengths and the offense is thriving.

There are several transfers having success under the new age Tennessee scheme, but wide receiver JaVontae Payton may be the most vital for Josh Heupel and his staff. The speedy deep threat has started all 10 games this season and is tied for the team lead with six receiving touchdowns, a mark that ranks sixth in the SEC. Three of those touchdowns were over 39 yards while averaging 25 yards per grab.

Payton’s overall numbers aren’t eye-popping with just 15 receptions, but the former Mississippi State burner forces defensive coordinators to constantly fear his deep striking ability, naturally presenting opportunities for other plays, even if Payton is simply a decoy.

Tennessee football is exciting again, and Josh Heupel has quickly showcased why Rocky Top should be on the radar for top prospects from all levels.