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Tennessee football: Tracking seniors, transfers, departures, returnees for 2021

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano (2) celebrates with Tennessee running back Ty Chandler (8) during a SEC conference football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Kentucky Wildcats held at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, October 17, 2020.Kns Ut Football Kentucky Bp
Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano (2) celebrates with Tennessee running back Ty Chandler (8) during a SEC conference football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Kentucky Wildcats held at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, October 17, 2020.Kns Ut Football Kentucky Bp /
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Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith (73) walks off the field for the final time after a SEC game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Texas A&M Aggies held at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, December 19, 2020.Kns Vols Football Texas A M Bp
Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith (73) walks off the field for the final time after a SEC game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Texas A&M Aggies held at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, December 19, 2020.Kns Vols Football Texas A M Bp /

Seniors entering NFL Draft

Josh Palmer

  • Wide receiver
  • 6’2″ 210 pounds
  • Brampton, Ontario (Canada)

Trey Smith

  • Offensive lineman
  • 6’6″ 330 pounds
  • Jackson, Tenn.

This was no surprise. Trey Smith was a four-year starter for Tennessee football and actually shocked the world when he decided to return for his seniors season to begin with last fall. The three-time First Team All-SEC and 2020 All-American guard should obviously leave for the pros. Losing him, though, still hurts.

Although the Vols appear to have some talent coming back, including Cade Mays deciding to return for next year, initially reported by Jimmy Hyams, nobody can match up to Smith. Technically, there is no official announcement that Smith is leaving. However, his Dec. 9 reflection on his time at UT plus his NFL Draft stock pretty much imply he’s gone.

Josh Palmer thanked Vol Nation for the memories and declared himself a 2021 NFL Draft prospect on his Instagram account. He was UT’s top playmaker in the passing game last year with 33 catches for 475 yards and four touchdowns, but the return of Velus Jones Jr. and other receivers with high recruiting rankings on the roster should allow the Vols to offset his departure.

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