One of the positions that would make a lot of sense for Tennessee football to look to upgrade at in the transfer portal is safety. An option that fits the bill has just announced he’s entering the portal, as well, making him a natural projected target.
After spending four seasons with App State, DJ Burks is on the market for his final season of eligibility. He is from Maryville, Tennessee, just outside of Knoxville, where he helped Maryville High School earn a 53-4 record over four seasons with a 6-A state championship.
Burks finished this past season with the Mountainers with 65 tackles, ranking third on the team. He produced five passes deflected, two interceptions and a pair of forced fumbles. He is the leading tackler for the team over the past two seasons combined, as well.
𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐊
With an assist from Emory Floyd, DJ Burks is tied for the Sun Belt lead in interceptions this season. #GoApp pic.twitter.com/vG3tZ8xfaj
— App State Football (@AppState_FB) September 19, 2025
More From RTI: Tennessee Football Losing Staff Member to Missouri, Replacing Him With Auburn Staffer
Besides being from Maryville, there’s another obvious tie with the Vols. Joey Aguilar, UT’s starting quarterback for the 2025 season, played a pair of seasons as Burks’ teammate with the Mountaineers.
The transfer portal will not officially open up until Jan. 2. Once that begins, players can begin committing elsewhere and finding their new homes.
As far as outgoing players for Tennessee, the Vols have lost six players to the portal to this point, featuring quarterback Jake Merklinger, defensive back Boo Carter, defensive lineman Jamal Wallace, edge rusher Kellen Lindstrom, linebacker Brenden Anes and defensive back Marcus Goree Jr.
While UT gears up for its portal efforts, it is also preparing to play in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 in Nashville at Nissan Stadium. It just signed the No. 5 recruiting class in the country, via 247, thanks to 27 signees following the release of four-star athlete Legend Bey, as well.
