Report: Tennessee outside linebacker Austin Smith enters transfer portal

Another Tennessee player has decided to enter the NCAA’s transfer portal, according to 247 Sports. Reserve outside linebacker Austin Smith is exploring his options after being used sparingly throughout his Tennessee career. Now a redshirt senior, Smith has one more year of eligibility to go. Smith played in just four games as a junior last season.

He joins Drew Richmond and Eli Wolf in the transfer portal. Of course, as we’ve already seen, entering the portal isn’t the end of the road. Outside linebacker Jordan Allen entered, but ultimately chose to return to Tennessee. Entering the portal means that other schools can contact the player, allowing them to gauge interest and weigh their options.

Outside linebacker isn’t exactly a position of great depth for the Vols, who are still trying to find pass rushers for Jeremy Pruitt’s 3-4 base scheme. Smith was a candidate to push for playing time last year as the new scheme seemed to fit his 6-3, 236 pound frame. That didn’t happen though. Smith appeared in the first three games, then didn’t hit the field again until the Vanderbilt contest.

Tennessee signed Roman Harrison in the early signing period who should be able to compete for early playing time. Four-star athlete Quavaris Crouch could also get time at Smith’s position.