Two days after firing Jeremy Pruitt and nine assistants in addition to athletic director Phillip Fulmer announcing his retirement, things got even worse for Tennessee football. Although that was expected, the bottom fell out all at once.
Some of UT’s biggest stars, the building blocks for their future under Jermey Pruitt just a year ago, entered the transfer. Henry To’o To’o, Eric Gray, Jahmir Johnson and Quavaris Crouch all announced their decisions to enter the portal.
Numerous outlets began confirming the departures from Tennessee football Wednesday evening, but senior SEC football reporter Matt Zenitz of AL.com was the first to break all of them. Zenitz revealed the news on Twitter.
Have learned that Tennessee offensive lineman Jahmir Johnson has entered the transfer portal. Started five games this year.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 20, 2021
Have learned that Tennessee standout linebacker Henry To’o To’o has entered the transfer portal
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 20, 2021
Another Tennessee starting linebacker has entered the transfer portal.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 20, 2021
Have learned that Quavaris Crouch has also entered the portal.
Have learned that Tennessee running back Eric Gray has entered the transfer portal
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 20, 2021
This all follows Wanya Morris, once a Freshman All-American left tackle for the Vols in 2019 who transferred to the Oklahoma Sooners on Monday. Gray, To’o To’o and Crouch were all part of the class Morris was in and all just completed their sophomore seasons.
Of all the Wednesday departures, Gray is probably the biggest loss. The sophomore running back was the top producer offensively in 2019 and rushed for 1,311 yards and eight touchdowns on 258 carries, averaging over five yards a carry in two years on Rocky Top. He had 1,680 total yards from scrimmage and 11 total touchdowns.
However, To’o To’o was a rising star as well. He suffered a bit of a drop-off this year, but the middle linebacker was the heart and soul of the Vols’ defense inside. Crouch was also a playmaker, joining him at linebacker. Both players are elite athletes.
Johnson, a fifth-year senior who could be a graduate transfer, was always a reliable member of the rotation on UT’s offensive line without any expectations of being a star. However, with the departure of Trey Smith and transfer of Wanya Morris, they could have used him.
Simply put, Tennessee football is in trouble. This is a disaster for the program, and it’s all happening while they are still hunting for an athletic director and head coach. Throw in the NCAA sanctions, and it can only get worse. All of these guys could come back, but that’s not likely to happen given what’s about to hit the program.