Tag: tyler baron

Former Vols defender Tyler Baron flips commitment to Louisville

Louisville added to their roster with a major commitment from Tyler Baron.

Louisville Cardinals head coach Jeff Brohm pulled off a significant victory in recruiting on Tuesday.

Former Tennessee Vols defensive lineman Tyler Baron initially committed to Ole Miss on December 16 and reaffirmed his decision last week. However, following a visit to Louisville earlier this month, Baron announced his change of heart, opting for Louisville, as shared on social media.

Standing at 6-foot-5-inches and weighing 260 pounds, Baron boasts a transfer ranking of 94 from 247Sports. He is the No. 14 overall prospect in the portal rankings and the No. 3 ranked edge rusher.

A Nashville, Tennessee native, Baron spent his senior year at Knoxville Catholic, transferring from Ensworth School in Nashville. Following the season Baron quickly committed to Ole Miss after announcing his entry into the transfer portal. Louisville had expressed interest immediately following the former Vols announcement to enter the transfer portal.

The Cardinals also successfully recruited two of Baron’s former teammates from Tennessee, Wesley Walker and Tamarion McDonald, who had previously committed to Ole Miss. Both enrolled at Louisville last week.

Baron’s 2023 season at Tennessee saw him as a versatile defensive end and sliding inside to defensive tackle in pass-rush situations. He achieved career highs with 28 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 6 sacks, 2 pass breakups, and a fumble recovery over 12 games. His impressive stats include 41 quarterback pressures, ranking him No. 5 among SEC edge defenders according to Pro Football Focus.

During his time at Tennessee, Baron played 48 games, accumulating 101 tackles, 27 TFLs, and 13.5 sacks. He should immediately see time alongside fellow standout edge Ashton Gillotte.

With one season of eligibility remaining, courtesy of the NCAA’s pandemic-related allowance, Baron is set to make a significant impact at Louisville. His football lineage includes his older brother, Woody Baron, who played at Virginia Tech, and his father, Patrick Abernathy, who spent eight years in a player development role with Tennessee’s football program.

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Most intriguing transfer portal options at defensive end

Most intriguing transfer portal options at defensive end #GoBucks

We already broke down our expectations for how Ohio State could handle the quarterback position (which it has handled) and then dove into the possible running backs (which it has also handled). We also recently covered the wide receiver position (if things break a certain way), tight ends, and offensive tackle, guards, and of course, the center position that was also already addressed by the staff. But now, we move on to the defensive side of the ball and we will start at defensive end.

Most of the guys on this list have committed already and the winter transfer portal is winding down. Still, these lists also provide the landing spot for these players, which tell an interesting story within the national landscape. For example, Indiana made some heavy-hitting moves in the transfer portal on the offensive side of the football. but let’s see which teams went out of their way to add one of the following big fish.

Former Vol Tyler Baron commits to Ole Miss

Former Vol Tyler Baron commits to Ole Miss.

Former Tennessee defensive lineman Tyler Baron entered the NCAA transfer portal on Dec. 8.

Baron committed to Ole Miss on Saturday.

The 6-foot-5, 260-pound defensive lineman appeared in 48 games for the Vols from 2020-23. He recorded 101 tackles, 27 tackles for a loss, 13.5 sacks, four pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Baron came to the Vols from Catholic High School in Knoxville, Tennessee.

He will play for Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin.

Kiffin served as Tennessee’s head coach in 2009, guiding the Vols to a 7-6 (4-4 SEC) record. He did not return for a second season, resigning as the Vols’ head coach on Jan. 12, 2010 and becoming head coach at USC.

PHOTOS: The night Lane Kiffin left Tennessee for USC

Student-athletes can enter the NCAA transfer portal from Dec. 2 until Jan. 2, 2024. Players can also enter the NCAA transfer portal from April 15-30, 2024.

READ: Updated Tennessee football NCAA transfer portal tracker

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Georgia among schools in play to sign talented Tennessee transfer

Georgia among schools in play to sign talented Tennessee transfer

Georgia faces a unique situation on its defensive front next season: Multiple contributors are faced with NFL decisions.

Senior defensive lineman Zion Logue will turn pro. Seniors Warren Brinson and Nazir Stackhouse have the option to return for another season due to the COVID-19 year.

The Bulldogs have been active in the transfer portal to address the situation. Georgia hosted South Carolina transfer Xzavier McLeod this past weekend and is in play for Tennessee transfer Tyler Baron.

On3 Sports reported on Thursday that Baron is considering staying in the SEC. Georgia, Texas, Ole Miss and Alabama are his top choices.

The fourth-year player is coming off his best season to date, racking up a career-best 6.5 sacks for the Volunteers in 2023. He has amassed 101 tackles, 27 tackles for a loss, 13.5 sacks, four pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in his career.

Baron, a former four-star recruit, is rated the No. 5 edge defender in the portal, per 247Sports.

Four SEC teams listed as schools to watch for in landing Tyler Baron

Four SEC teams listed as schools to watch for in landing former Vol Tyler Baron.

Tennessee defensive lineman Tyler Baron entered the NCAA transfer portal on Dec. 8.

Baron is listed to transfer within the Southeastern Conference, according to Chad Simmons of On3.

“Texas, Georgia, Ole Miss and Alabama have been listed as schools to watch for Tennessee edge transfer Tyler Baron,” On3 announced.

The 6-foot-5, 260-pound defensive lineman appeared in 48 games for the Vols from 2020-23. He recorded 101 tackles, 27 tackles for a loss, 13.5 sacks, four pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Baron came to the Vols from Catholic High School in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Student-athletes can enter the NCAA transfer portal from Dec. 2 until Jan. 2, 2024. Players can also enter the NCAA transfer portal from April 15-30, 2024.

READ: Updated Tennessee football NCAA transfer portal tracker

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Vols’ senior defensive lineman enters NCAA transfer portal

Tennessee senior defensive lineman enters the NCAA transfer portal.

Tennessee senior defensive lineman Tyler Baron entered the NCAA transfer portal on Friday.

The 6-foot-5, 260-pound defensive lineman appeared in 48 games for the Vols from 2020-23. He recorded 101 tackles, 27 tackles for a loss, 13.5 sacks, four pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Baron came to the Vols from Catholic High School in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Student-athletes can enter the NCAA transfer portal from Dec. 2 until Jan. 2, 2024. Players can also enter the NCAA transfer portal from April 15-30, 2024.

Warren Burrell (defensive back), Mo Clipper Jr. (offensive lineman), Mekhi Bigelow (linebacker), Jack Luttrell (defensive back), Brandon Turnage (defensive back), Connor Meadows (offensive lineman) and Addison Nichols (offensive lineman) have also entered the NCAA transfer portal for Tennessee.

READ: Updated Tennessee football NCAA transfer portal tracker

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Vols defeat UConn for homecoming victory

Tennessee defeats UConn for homecoming victory.

No. 16 Tennessee (7-2, 3-2 SEC) defeated UConn (1-8), 59-3, Saturday at Neyland Stadium.

It was a homecoming victory for the Vols. who led, 35-3 at halftime.

Tennessee led, 7-0, on its second offensive play as Jaylen Wright scored on an 82-yard run.

After the Huskies kicked a field goal, the Vols scored 28 unanswered points before halftime. Joe Milton III completed a 60-yard touchdown pass to Ramel Keyton and scored on a six-yard touchdown run.

Later in the second quarter, Milton III completed an 82-yard touchdown pass to Squirrel White with 4 minutes, 34 seconds left until halftime. Tennessee’s defense scored before the end of the first half as Tyler Baron returned a UConn fumble to the end zone.

In the third quarter, Jaylen McCollough and Aaron Beasley had interception returns for scores to give Tennessee a 42-3 advantage.

Nico Iamaleava entered the game at quarterback for Tennessee and completed a 19-yard touchdown pass to McCallan Castles.

Milton III completed 11-of-14 passing attempts for 254 passing yards and two passing touchdowns. He also recorded seven rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.

Wright had eight rushing attempts and totaled 113 yards and one touchdown.

White recorded two receptions for 94 receiving yards and one touchdown.

PHOTOS: Tennessee football wears Summitt Blue against UConn

Tyler Baron discusses playing Spencer Rattler again

Tennessee defensive lineman Tyler Baron discusses playing South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler again.

No. 19 Tennessee (3-1, 0-1 SEC) will host South Carolina (2-2, 1-1 SEC) on Saturday in Week 5 at Neyland Stadium.

South Carolina defeated the Vols, 63-38, last season.

Quarterback Spencer Rattler completed 30-of-37 passing attempts for 438 yards, six touchdowns and zero interceptions for the Gamecocks against Tennessee in 2022.

Ahead of Saturday’s game, Tennessee senior defensive lineman Tyler Baron met with media and discussed playing Rattler again.

“He is a really effective guy,” Baron said. “He does a good job of getting out of the pocket and finding his guys down the field. Just going back and watching the film from last year and just seeing what we could have done better, what we did do good, and then taking those things and trying to build off of it.”

Baron has recorded 11 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks and three quarterback hurries in four games this season.

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Tim Banks discusses Tyler Baron being healthy in 2023

Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks discusses Tyler Baron being healthy in 2023.

Senior defensive lineman Tyler Baron is in his fourth season at Tennessee.

The 6-foot-5, 260-pound Baron recorded three tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks in the Vols’ season-opening win versus Virginia.

Third-year defensive coordinator Tim Banks met with media on Tuesday and discussed Baron in 2023.

“I think it’s, just like I tell anyone, being healthy,” Banks said. “Tyler is healthy. He’s always had the potential to be one of the elite players in this conference. Having the chance to keep him healthy is job number one for us and for him, as well.

“I think as long as he stays healthy and stays with the mindset and the intent that he has, we expect him to have a tremendous season for us moving forward.”

Baron appeared 36 games for the Vols from 2020-22, recording 73 tackles and 7.5 sacks.

PHOTOS: Tennessee football defeats Virginia in Nashville to open 2023 season

Two Vols earn SEC Player of the Week awards

Two Vols earn SEC Player of the Week awards after the Virginia game.

Two Vols earned Southeastern Conference awards after Week 1.

Quarterback Joe Milton III was named SEC Co-Offensive Player of the Week. Tyler Baron was selected as the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week. after

No. 10 Tennessee (1-0, 0-0 SEC) defeated Virginia (0-1, 0-0 ACC), 49-13, during Week 1 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Milton III completed 21-of-30 passing attempts for 201 yards and two touchdowns. He recorded 33 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.

Baron recoded three tackles, including a team-high 2.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.

Both players are first-time SEC Player of the Week honorees.

The Vols have earned 24 weekly SEC awards, including six Offensive Player of the Week awards and four Defensive Lineman of the Week honors under head coach Josh Heupel.

PHOTOS: Tennessee football defeats Virginia in Nashville to open 2023 season