Tennessee football: Ranking 4 Vols in limbo by need for 2019

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Darrin Kirkland Jr. #34 of the Tennessee Volunteers returns an interception for a touchdown during a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

2 of 5

Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images /

Once a four-star athlete, Deangelo Gibbs transferred away from the Georgia Bulldogs after spending two years there as a defensive back. However, during Tennessee football’s spring practice, the coaches used him at wide receiver.

As a result, it’s safe to say Gibbs is the least needed of the players in limbo. Now, to be fair, the Vols will definitely need him long-term. But this is about players they need ready to go this year, and quite honestly, it’s probably better for UT if Gibbs isn’t eligible to play. That way he can take a redshirt and set the program up here in the future.

After all, the 6’1″ 209-pound prospect brings plenty of talent, but he would be buried in the depth chart this year. Jauan Jennings and Marquez Callaway are the clear go-to wideouts. Josh Palmer has emerged as an elite threat, and Brandon Johnson can still perform. As a result, Gibbs wouldn’t play much anyway this year.

Wide receiver is one area where the Vols already have a deep rotation. Allowing Gibbs to play does nothing for that in 2019. His transfer is about the future for Pruitt, and that’s why he’s last on this list in terms of importance.

Home/Vols Football