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Former Tennessee DB Doneiko Slaughter announces commitment, staying in SEC

4A3DA472-0F39-4C89-9987-5851509375C0by:Matt Ray•12/15/23•

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Doneiko Slaughter
Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Doneiko Slaughter entered the transfer portal just five days ago, and he wasted no time in finding a new home. On Friday afternoon Slaughter announced his decision to commit to Sam Pittman’s Arkansas program. Slaughter will have one season of eligibility remaining in Fayetteville.

Following his entry into the transfer portal, Slaughter penned a farewell and thank you to Tennessee fans for their support during his time on Rocky Top.

“Expressing my gratitude for the tremendous support, development and love I’ve experienced during my time at the University of Tennessee,” the cornerback posted. “The relationships I’ve bult with my brothers and staff have been invaluable, contributing significantly to my growth as both an athlete and individual. The support from Volnation has made this university feel like a home.

“However, after careful consideration, I have decided to enter my name into the transfer portal. This decision is about my personal growth and aspirations and in no way diminishes the gratitude and love I feel for the University of Tennessee. I am sincerely thankful for the opportunities and memories here.”

Slaughter is one of six Tennessee defensive backs to enter the transfer portal since the window opened on December 4.

Slaughter finished the 2023 season with 32 tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack. Over the course of his career, he has racked up 87 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, an interception and seven pass defenses.

Understanding the portal

The winter transfer portal window opened on December 4th and runs for 30 days. The winter window to enter the portal closes on January 2nd. The spring portal window runs from April 16-30th.

Players don’t have to pick a school they are going to during those specific dates but those are the span of dates on when a player can enter the portal.

Those dates don’t apply to graduate transfers who can enter the portal whenever they wish prior to May 1st. Also, if there’s a head coaching change, players can enter the portal outside of those dates.

Players who enter the portal in the 30 day winter window are trying to be somewhere for the spring semester. 

For Tennessee the spring semester starts on January 22nd which is late compared to many schools around the country. Tennessee a year ago started a winter mini-term class that runs the first 3 weeks of January. 

With the portal, schools also have to stay at 85 or below in their scholarships numbers, meaning when the spring semester starts they can’t be over 85. In Tennessee’s case, that number is closer to 82 as the Vols balance the scholarship reductions that they received last July when the NCAA ruled on the Jeremy Pruitt case.

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