This is a series that examines the development of football players who have been at Tennessee under coach Josh Heupel.
Tennessee football welcomed 22 recruits in its 2022 class. Here's a look at how the group developed and how they left Knoxville.
Quarterback Tayven Jackson played in three games during his true freshman season in 2022 but did not stay in Knoxville, hopping in the portal after just one season. Jackson originally landed at Indiana, then spen time at UCF before heading to North Texas, where he is now.
Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips did the same, heading to Maryland after the 2022 season and eventually becoming an NFL Draft selection.
Running back Justin Williams-Thomas played in three games during his true freshman season before transferring to California. Safety Cameron Miller moved to Memphis after just one year on Tennessee's roster. Offensive lineman Savion Herring also entered the portal after his first season in Knoxville. He was dismissed from the team after being arrested on a charge of domestic assault.
Offensive lineman Addison Nichols redshirted during his true freshman season, playing two games. In 2023, he played in 12 games off the bench, getting regular offensive action later in the season. After his redshirt freshman year, Nichols transferred to SMU.
Linebacker Elijah Herring spent two seasons with Tennessee, getting more playing time in 2023 before leaving for Memphis in 2024. Offensive lineman Mo Clipper Jr. went to Charlotte after two years in Knoxville.
Wide receiver Kaleb Webb spent his first three seasons with the Vols, failing to record any stats in 2022 despite getting some action under the four-game redshirt limit. He played in all 13 games in 2023, mostly on special teams and as a backup. In 2024, Webb made six receptions for 48 yards before transferring to Maryland in the offseason.
Offensive lineman Masai Reddick spent three years on Tennessee's roster, getting most of his playing time on special teams. Offensive lineman Brian Grant left after three seasons to go to Memphis.
Defensive back Dee Williams played two years with Tennessee after his junior college career. His 2022 season began late due to injury, but Williams was the consistent punt returner for the Vols. In 2023, Williams served as a return specialist again, including going for a key touchdown return against Texas A&M
Wide receiver Squirrel White spent his first three seasons of college football with Tennessee. After seeing time as a slot receiver in 2022 with 481 yards and two touchdowns, White became a featured part of Tennessee's passing attack in 2023, leading the Vols with 803 yards through the air. White finished his 2024 season with 381 receiving yards and transferred to Florida State following that year.
Wide receiver Chas Nimrod spent three seasons with the Vols, getting more playing time each year. He eventually left to join Alex Golesh at USF and moved with him to Auburn. After three years of development, linebacker Kalib Perry became a Louisville Cardinal. Safety Christian Harrison went to the Big 12 and Cincinnati after three seasons and has since returned to the SEC with Arkansas. Defensive lineman Jayson Jenkins went to Florida State after three years.
Running back Dylan Sampson spent all three seasons of his college career with the Vols, stacking more playing time as his years with Tennessee went on. During his freshman season, Sampson ran for 397 yards and six touchdowns. In 2023, he rushed for 604 yards and seven scores. The Baton Rouge native blew up in 2024, rushing for 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns to lead the Tennessee offense to the College Football Playoff. After the 2024 season, Sampson declared for the NFL Draft and was selected by Cleveland.
Defensive end James Pearce Jr. hit the ground running with the Vols in 2022, playing in all 13 games and earning two sacks. He moved into a more featured role in 2023, starting three games and earning 10 sacks on the path to first-team All-SEC honors. His 2024 season saw him be named an All-SEC first-teamer again with 7.5 sacks, leading to his first-round selection to Atlanta in 2025.
Defensive end Joshua Josephs played his full four seasons at Tennessee, starting by getting in action 12 times during his freshman season. He repeated the feat in 2023 before starting five times in 2024, rotating time with Pearce in Tennessee's platoon system. Josephs started 11 games in 2025, opting out of the Music City Bowl to prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Defensive lineman Tyre West exhausted his eligibility in 2025 after four seasons in Knoxville. He made two sacks in 11 games during his freshman season, repeating the feat in 2023 after playing in all 13 games. West found his form during his junior season in 2024, making three starts with five tackles for loss and two sacks. West played in 12 games in 2025, making four sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss.
Defensive back Jourdan Thomas has spent all four seasons on Tennessee football roster, suffering some bad injury luck along that way that hamstrung his ability to contribute. Punter Jackson Ross will return as Tennessee's starting punter for his senior season in 2026.