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Tennessee football can’t afford to lose these 10 players in 2021

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee defensive lineman Aubrey Solomon (98) at football practice on Thursday, August 8, 2019.Kns Vols Romanharrison
Tennessee defensive lineman Aubrey Solomon (98) at football practice on Thursday, August 8, 2019.Kns Vols Romanharrison /
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Dec 12, 2020; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers tight end Princeton Fant (88) catches a touchdown pass during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2020; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers tight end Princeton Fant (88) catches a touchdown pass during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Scouting Report. Princeton Fant. 8. 839. Pick Analysis. Tight end. Redshirt senior. player

6’2″ 240 pounds; Hometown: Nashville, Tenn.

Tight end is a unique position for Tennessee football. The Vols lost two to the transfer portal this offseason in Jackson Lowe and Sean Brown. To make matters worse, though, Austin Pope, their primary blocker, has been forced to retire due to medical issues. As a result, while they have bodies here, lots of them are unproven.

Only Princeton Fant is proven at the position. He hopped around multiple positions over the years, particularly at running back, before settling at tight end ahead of the 2019 season. This is his first season playing the position with a full offseason and a year of experience there.

Taking those things into account, the graduate of LaVergne High School in Rutherford County who is originally from Davidson County is crucial to the system this year. Not only is Fant the only returning proven tight end, but he was always going to be the only proven potential receiver at the position, and that’s crucial for Josh Heupel’s offense.

Last year, Fant had 12 catches for 103 yards and a touchdown. Heupel is likely to utilize him even more this year, and that value combined with the lack of unproven depth is enough for us to put him on this list.

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