Tennessee sees 2 more DBs, including 10-game starter, opt for transfer portal

Tennessee continues to lose defensive backs to the transfer portal. Following Doneiko Slaughter’s farewell announcement, reports indicate that Tamarion McDonald and De’Shawn Rucker are also looking into transfer opportunities.

McDonald was a 10-game starter at the STAR position in 2023. The senior from Memphis ranked 5th on the 2023 team with 40 tackles and 3rd in passes defended with 4 pass breakups and 1 interception.

A 4-year contributor, McDonald became a regular starter as a junior. He will be using the NCAA’s COVID-19 waiver to be a 5th-year super senior in 2024.

Tennessee starting defensive back Tamarion McDonald is entering the transfer portal, sources tell @247sports.

McDonald, who has been a starter for the Vols the last two years, has 116 career tackles and four career interceptions.https://t.co/6Cw7NKmknb pic.twitter.com/wfwvWM62JI

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 11, 2023

Rucker’s contributions came primarily in a reserve role over the past 3 seasons. The junior from Tallahassee, Florida saw his playing time reduced to just 4 games in 2023, which allows him to take a redshirt for the season to preserve eligibility. He logged 8 solo tackles in 2022 as a sophomore and 5 stops during his freshman season.

Tennessee DB De’Shawn Rucker has entered the portal. Played in four games this season. Last year played in eight games with two starts. pic.twitter.com/42J6Lkcqte

— NCAA Transfer Portal (@RivalsPortal) December 11, 2023

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.