It’s hard to maintain depth in the era of the transfer portal. Blue-chip recruits who don’t see the field will look for a new home, even if they’re in their current school’s plans.
LSU football felt that in 2023 when former five-star tackle Lance Heard hit the transfer portal after one fall with the Tigers. Heard, originally from Monroe, LA, was one of the top offensive tackle recruits in Louisiana’s history.
With Will Campbell and Emery Jones anchoring LSU’s tackle spots for the foreseeable future, Heard took his talents to Tennessee and claimed the Vols’ left tackle job.
It was a tough first year in Knoxville for Heard. According to PFF, only three SEC tackles with 300+ snaps had a worse offensive grade than Heard in 2024.
Heard graded out as one of the top freshman linemen in the country with LSU in 2023. He took a step back in 2024.
He allowed 21 pressures and committed seven penalties with the Vols.
At times, Heard was productive. He’s got talent and size, and that’s good enough to win one one-on-one battles.
Heard’s biggest struggles appeared in the run game. There was a stiffness and high pad level that made it tough for Heard to consistently engage blockers and get a push.