Breaking: Tennessee sign in a two time super bowl champion via transfer portal.
A little depth in the bullpen.
Tanner Franklin, a transfer from Kennesaw State, became Tennessee’s first portal commitment on Tuesday afternoon.
The East Tennessee native, who pitches right-handed, entered the transfer portal on June 17. Franklin weighs 240 pounds, is 6 feet 5 inches tall, and can reach speeds of almost 100 mph. Over an offer from in-state rival Vanderbilt, he decided to attend the Volunteers.
Franklin is still eligible for two more years. Last season, he had a 5.60 ERA and went 4-1. As a sophomore, Franklin pitched 27.1 innings, walking 27 and striking out 43 batters. For the year, he was given credit for five saves.
This offseason, Tennessee will lose Chris Stamos, Zander Sechrist, and Kirby Connell since they are no longer eligible. Along with sending Drew Beam to the MLB Draft, the Volunteers will also probably have to decide whether to send Aaron Combs and AJ Causey back to Knoxville or pursue professional careers.
For next season, Franklin most likely projects as a bullpen arm.
