Shawn Shamburger removes name from transfer portal

Just one day after officially entering the transfer portal, Shawn Shamburger has reportedly removed his name from the transfer portal. Welcome to college football in 2020.

Matt Zenitz reported the news this morning.

Late in the season, Pruitt announced that Shamburger had opted out of the remainder of the 2020 season to focus on academics. Shamburger appeared in just three games total, fighting injuries along the way.

Shamburger has one season left of eligibility and could really help the Tennessee secondary in 2021. The veteran defensive back played well as a junior in the nickel role, doing a number of different things for Jeremy Pruitt and Derrick Ansley’s defense.

Tennessee announced the addition of Kevin Steele to the coaching staff on Tuesday, which may have had something to do with Shamburger’s change of heart. Shamburger has appeared in 38 total games for the Vols in his career, making 16 starts.

With Bryce Thompson entering the draft, Tennessee’s cornerback room now consists of Warren Burrell, Alontae Taylor and Kenneth George. Shamburger is a bit of a hybrid type player, along with Key Lawrence. Adding Shamburger back to this room is big from both and experience and depth standpoint.

Still, expect Tennessee to add another body to the secondary at some point, likely via the transfer portal. With so many starters or key contributors leaving the program, Tennessee should be very active in the portal over the next several weeks.