Big expectations here.
The worst-kept secret in college football came true during this season’s portal madness, with former LSU tackle Lance Heard transferring to Tennessee. Heard, a former five-star prospect, is set to take over at left tackle to begin his time in Knoxville as a sophomore.
Per On3 Sports, Heard was the second-ranked tackle in the class of 2023. He played 195 snaps for LSU last season, appearing in all 12 games. He’ll see that playing time bump up in a large way this fall.
Will Backus at CBS Sports thinks he’ll be a breakout star.
Heard, the No. 3 offensive tackle in the Class of 2023, initially signed with LSU and spent his freshman season as one of the Tigers’ top reserves. Given the loaded depth chart ahead of him in Baton Rouge, which was filled with young starting options, Heard transferred to Tennessee as one of the top offensive linemen in the portal. He’ll start at left tackle immediately for the Vols, tasked with guarding new starting quarterback and former five star Nico Iamaleava’s blindside.
Tennessee is replacing Gerald Mincey, who — likely in a corresponding move to landing Heard — ended up transferring to Kentucky. John Campbell will kick over to the right side, while Heard will be plugged in on the left. He’ll be tasked immediately with protecting Nico Iamaleava’s blindside.
“The guy (Lance Heard) has unbelievable length and natural ability,” Tennessee offensive line coach Glen Elarbee said. “Protecting the passer is going to be a big improvement, and he’s just a big human. The ability to go move 4i’s in the run game, I felt like (Darnell Wright), that’s where he changed our run game a lot … I feel like Lance is going to have that ability too.
“He’s really just going through his first offseason. So, some of the intricacies of just learning the game inside and out, he knows it, but experience and reps just build that bank of what’s going on and how to adjust to certain situations. I think that’s just part of his growth and development.”
Elarbee also returns veteran center Cooper Mays and longtime standout guard Javontez Spraggins. That’s seemingly four rock-solid starters up front, with plenty of options to fill the final vacant guard role. Dylan Sampson is set to benefit in a big way as he takes over the lead role in the Tennessee backfield.
The 6-6, 335 pound Heard is a true body mover and could take the Tennessee run game to another level. Perhaps paired with a more consistent passing attack this year, this new look offense certain is exciting on paper.