Tennessee football has added 18 players through the transfer portal so far, but the Vols are still working to land some additional talent. One of the targets that somewhat recently made his way to campus, Ohio State safety Cody Haddad, will not be suiting up in the orange and white next year, though.
Haddad committed to Iowa on Wednesday, according to a report from On3. He will have four years of eligibility with the Hawkeyes after spending just one season with the Buckeyes.
Along with visits to Tennessee and Iowa, Haddad was also working to set up visits to Nebraska and Texas A&M, according to a report from ESPN when he entered the portal.
More From RTI: ESPN Mock Draft Has Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell Teaming Up With Elite NFL Quarterback in Latest First Round Mock Draft
Out of high school, Haddad was a three-star recruit on 247. The site considered him the No. 53 safety in the cycle and No. 25 player from the state of Ohio. He is from Cleveland, Ohio, where he played for St. Ignatius.
“Versatile player who has played all over the field in high school but figures to be a college safety,” 247 analyst Allen Trieu wrote. “Shows good instincts and will come into the box and support the run but also shows he can match-up on receivers and play some man. Has a track background and that shows up with his ability to close on the ball. Receiver background shows up with ball skills. Plays physical football but still needs to add more weight and strength which will aid in playing that style in college. Should be a Power Five starter who can fit as a chess piece in any defensive scheme.”
Even without Haddad, Tennessee has done a great job retooling its secondary during this portal window. The Vols have added Kansas State’s Qua Moss, Auburn’s Kayin Lee, Penn State’s Dejuan Lane, Michigan’s TJ and Tevis Metcalf, Appalachian State’s DJ Burks and Colorado’s Isaiah Hardge.
UT also returns the likes of Edrees Farooq and Ty Redmond, who both started last season.
