The 12 days of Christmas have been more like the 12 months of Christmas for Tennessee sixth-year senior tight end McCallan Castles.
Since signing with the Volunteers last December as a graduate transfer out of UC Davis, the 6-foot-5, 252-pounder has not only made the most of his one football season in Knoxville but has savored every moment along the way. Castles will enter the Citrus Bowl against Iowa on New Year’s Day as Tennessee’s third-leading receiver with 21 catches for 265 yards and four touchdowns.
“It’s a whole new world out here,” said Castles, who is from South Lake Tahoe, California. “Compared to where I came from, it’s insane. I’m super grateful to be here and to have had this opportunity.
“I’ve truly loved being in the state of Tennessee and playing football here.”
The Vols have wrapped up their on-campus workouts for the Citrus Bowl. They are scheduled to arrive in Orlando late Tuesday afternoon and practice for the first time Wednesday morning.