Tennessee football has already landed a few defensive backs through the transfer portal, but the Vols aren’t satisfied. On Tuesday morning, Josh Heupel picked up the commitment of Michigan safety TJ Metcalf, according to Matt Zenitz. This comes shortly after his visit to Knoxville.
Metcalf played and started in all 13 of the Wolverines’ games this past season. He split time between both safety and nickelback. In that time, Metcalf recorded 58 tackles and an interception. He earned a PFF grade of 67.2 on the year, as well.
Metcalf just wrapped up his first year at Michigan and his third in college football. This upcoming season will be his true senior year, marking the end of his college eligibility. Prior to his time with Michigan, he spent his freshman and sophomore seasons at Arkansas.
He transferred to the Wolverines with his brother Tevis Metcalf. He has also entered the transfer portal, but has not committed to any school yet.
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This is now the 12th commit of the transfer cycle for Tennessee. The majority of this has come on the defensive side, with the majority of that in the secondary.
Defensive backs in the boat so far include Kansas State safety Qua Moss, Auburn cornerback Kayin Lee and Penn State safety Dejuan Lane. Other defenders are Penn State defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam, Penn State linebacker Amare Campbell, Penn State edge rusher Chaz Coleman and Tulane edge rusher Jordan Norman.
The other commits include LSU offensive tackle Ory Williams, Louisville kicker Cooper Ranvier, EKU specialist Blake Howard and Oklahoma State wide receiver Gavin Freeman.
If Metcalf does play safety, he’d likely fit in a room with returner Edrees Farooq and PSU’s Lane at the top. Metcalf could certainly be one of the two starters, as well. If he goes to nickelback, that’s a spot that is projected to feature Moss from Kansas State, though he could also play safety.
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Metcalf played one year at Michigan…and not very well