Tennessee football is undergoing positive culture changes, with incoming transfers bringing their ideas to the program.
Offensive lineman Sam Pendleton is one player who has taken action to help build team unity outside of football. The Notre Dame transfer immediately made an impact on Tennessee's offensive line room and quickly emerged as the leader of the room.
Pendleton has worked with Tennessee offensive line coach Glen Elarbee to build a stronger bond with his teammates in the trenches outside of football.
"Sam has helped one, off the field, kind of unite the room," Elarbee said, praising Pendleton. "He does a great job of trying to get guys to go eat dinner outside the facility, go play golf outside the facility, do things together.
"And then he is highly, highly intelligent playing guard and center. There's been some in MAs (missed assignments) just because those are the two toughest positions when you transfer in, and he knows it; we've talked about it. But man, he grinds it every single day. He has a great attitude. He has just integrated into the room so fast."
With college football's culture centered around NIL and the transfer portal, Pendleton's focus on team unity with players who have been with the program since high school and recent transfers could be the connection the offensive line needs to be successful this year.
This is especially important because Tennessee lost experience, with four starters graduating after last season. Replacing that leadership and experience with players who have played no snaps together can be challenging, but it seems Pendleton is up for the challenge.
The Vols are continuing their spring practice throughout the start of April. Tennessee's Orange and White Game is scheduled for April 12 at Neyland Stadium.