Tennessee senior outside linebacker Deandre Johnson has decided to use his extra year of eligibility allotted by the NCAA amid this coronavirus pandemic, but it won't be in Knoxville.
The 6-foot-3, 255-pounder from Miami entered the NCAA transfer portal and will play elsewhere in 2021 as a graduate transfer. Johnson earned his degree earlier this month.
Johnson racked up 28 tackles, six tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles this season for the Volunteers, who had a disappointing 3-7 record and had to withdraw from the Liberty Bowl due to a spike in COVID cases. He collected 2.5 sacks in the opening 31-27 victory at South Carolina, which earned him Southeastern Conference recognition.
His final game for the Vols was disastrous, however, as he was flagged twice for 20 yards during the 34-13 loss to Texas A&M.
Johnson joins quarterbacks Jarrett Guarantano and J.T. Shrout, receiver Brandon Johnson and tight end Austin Pope as notable Vols who have entered the transfer portal. Shrout already has announced Colorado as his transfer destination.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.