Jerrod Means and Ryan Johnson enter transfer portal

A pair of Tennessee players have entered the transfer portal today, according to Pete Thamel. Freshman receiver Jerrod Means and grad-transfer offensive lineman Ryan Johnson will explore their options around the college football landscape.

Means signed with Tennessee as a part of the 2019 class. The 6-2 receiver was a three star prospect and spent time at defensive back in the early part of the season. It’s a bit of a curious move, considering Marquez Callaway, Jauan Jennings and Tyler Byrd will be moving on after this season. There will be plenty of snaps up for grabs at the position in 2020.

The case of Ryan Johnson makes sense. The veteran offensive lineman appeared in every game this season, but the offensive line room has suddenly become a crowded place. Johnson has a season left and will be eligible wherever he goes next season, so he’s probably looking for a starting spot elsewhere.

Johnson started every game for Tennessee in 2018, but was used as a rotational piece this season.

The most noteworthy loss here would be Means, simply for depth concerns. Tennessee will return Josh Palmer, Brandon Johnson, Ramel Keyton and Cedric Tillman in 2020. DeAngelo Gibbs is another potential solution.

There’s not a ton of experience left in that room, and even less depth behind them. Finding a few bodies to slot in behind that top four is a must for this staff during the remainder of the 2020 cycle.