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Tennessee football: Top 10 Vols who were or are walk-ons for 2022

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee offensive lineman Dayne Davis (66) reacts to a call during an SEC conference game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021.Kns Tennessee Vanderbilt Football
Tennessee offensive lineman Dayne Davis (66) reacts to a call during an SEC conference game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021.Kns Tennessee Vanderbilt Football /
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Tennessee quarterback Navy Shuler participates in a drill at Tennessee Vols football first spring practice, Tuesday, March 22, 2022.Kns Vols Spring Parctice Cm
Tennessee quarterback Navy Shuler participates in a drill at Tennessee Vols football first spring practice, Tuesday, March 22, 2022.Kns Vols Spring Parctice Cm /

Walk-ons have always been an important part of Tennessee football since the Vols aren’t in a state with as fertile of a recruiting ground as many other SEC schools. They don’t have to do what the Nebraska Cornhuskers did back in the day, but they still benefit from such players. Given all the turmoil Josh Heupel inherited, it’s even more crucial right now.

With NIL deals now a factor, the Vols can utilize a walk-on program like they never have before. On the recruiting trail, they already did for 2022. There are multiple walk-ons who drew interest from FBS schools. Others transferred to UT, and some have already contributed.

Which of these guys will be most key to Rocky Top this year? That’s what this post will break down. The ranking will include guys who have since received scholarships but didn’t have one when they arrived. After all, once you contribute, you usually receive one. Here are the top 10 walk-ons for Tennessee football in 2022.

Navy Shuler. 10. player. 839. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Quarterback. Sophomore

6’0″ 206 pounds

Yes, the son of Heath Shuler made the list. Navy Shuler transferred to the Vols from the Appalachian State Mountaineers. He’s not going to beat out a fellow North Carolina quarterback in Hendon Hooker, who will be the team’s starter this year. However, the graduate of Christ School in Arden, N.C., just outside of Asheville, could compete for the backup job.

Initially a three-star on most services in the 2019 class who is originally from Fletcher, N.C., before going to school in Buncombe County, Shuler hasn’t racked up any stats yet. However, the Henderson County native had to choose Rocky Top for a reason.

Given Hooker’s style of play, he’s prone to many injuries. Combine that with Tayven Jackson’s youth and Joe Milton III’s in-game struggles last year, and you could definitely see Shuler earning the No. 2 quarterback spot and playing at times for Tennessee football next year. As a result, he makes this list.

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