It was mid-January, and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga receivers coach Ricky Spradling was perusing the NCAA transfer portal, not really expecting to see much of anything for his position group in the database when he came across Will Jackson-Linkhart.
The 6-foot-5, 237-pounder from Dayton, Ohio, was a late addition to the portal after a productive five years (he redshirted as a freshman) at Tiffin University, a Division II program in his home state. He had mostly played wide receiver for the Dragons, but after going through a pro day workout with the Detroit Lions and the Indianapolis Colts, the universal feedback on his NFL potential was “tight end” all the way.
Believing he needed more time at tight end — which would create both experience for himself and game video for NFL teams to study — Jackson-Linkhart added his name to the portal on Jan. 15, a day before the 15-day window to enter ended. Five days later, UTC flew him down for a two-day visit and made an offer; he committed on Jan. 27, and a week later, the graduate transfer had signed to play for the Mocs, giving them an offensive weapon of a type with few comparisons in recent UTC seasons.
The Mocs wrapped up spring practices last weekend, but coaches still don’t know exactly what they’re going to do with Jackson-Linkhart. He’ll play tight end a lot, but he could also play some at receiver.
For now, though, figuring out just how to maximize his potential is a good problem to have.