Tennessee football lands talented quarterback transfer

Appalachian State transfer quarterback Navy Shuler has committed to play for Tennessee, he tweeted Sunday. The redshirt freshman has spent the past two seasons in a backup role with the Mountaineers.

I’m coming HOME #GBO 🍊 pic.twitter.com/sJTBMvL0RP

— Navy Shuler (@ShulerNavy) December 19, 2021

“I want to thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ for allowing me to play the game I love and the ability to continue my academic and athletic career,” Shuler wrote in a statement. “I would like to thank all of the coaches from Power 5 to Group of 5 programs that have offered me. It’s been very humbling.

“With that being said, I will be transferring to the University of Tennessee, and I will be the fifth Shuler in my family to wear the power T. I would like to thank coach (Josh) Heupel and his staff for giving me this opportunity. Rocky Top has always been my home. It’s time to return.”

Shuler will likely keep a backup role behind Hendon Hooker next season, but has plenty of time to develop. He was the No. 100 overall quarterback in the class of 2020 according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Shuler turned down offers from ACC schools Duke and Wake Forest to sign with Appalachian State out of high school. A native of Arden, North Carolina, he lived under 100 miles from the Mountaineers’ campus.

The Volunteers finished 7-5 in coach Josh Heupel’s inaugural season, earning a trip to the Music City Bowl. They are set to face Purdue at 3 p.m. ET on Dec. 30 in Nashville.

Although the transfer quarterback like won’t see much playing time next year at Tennessee, he brings with him a clear passion for the program. He first game at Rocky Top as a player will come on Sept. 3 when the Volunteers open the 2022 season against Ball State.