Tennessee lineman William Parker, remnant of Jeremy Pruitt's last class, in transfer portal
Tennessee offensive lineman William Parker, a former Pearl-Cohn standout, has entered the transfer portal, according to numerous reports.
If he doesn’t return to the Vols, it would mean eight of Tennessee’s 10 highest-rated signees in the 2021 class would no longer be on the team. Linebacker Aaron Willis, quarterback Kaidon Salter, athlete Kaemen Marley, running back Tiyon Evans and tight ends Julian Nixon, Miles Campbell and Trinity Bell also have left.
Wide receiver Walker Merrill and defensive back De’Shawn Rucker are the only top signees of that class to remain with the Vols.
All-SEC edge rusher Byron Young, running back Jaylen Wright and defensive back Christian Charles were successes in that class.
In the 2021 class, Parker was a three-star prospect by 247Sports Composite, a top-500 player overall and a key in-state recruit for the Vols. He chose Tennessee over Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Louisville.
Parker committed to and signed under coach Jeremy Pruitt, who was fired after he enrolled. Parker played sparingly under coach Josh Heupel, logging only 25 snaps in four games over two seasons.
Parker, a 6-foot-5, 310-pounder, has three seasons of eligibility remaining. Players can enter the portal until Jan. 18, but teams can add them at any time.
Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football offensive lineman William Parker in transfer portal
