Tennessee secured a significant addition from the transfer portal on Sunday, as former LSU offensive tackle Zalance “Lance” Heard joined their ranks. While he had already appeared in the University of Tennessee’s student directory by the end of the week, the official commitment was announced on Sunday, just before the commencement of the spring semester classes on Monday.

Heard, who stood at 6 feet 6 inches and weighed 340 pounds, played 12 games during his freshman season at LSU, earning a spot on the Freshman All-SEC team in December. Despite missing LSU’s bowl game on New Year’s Day, he entered the transfer portal on January 2, ultimately choosing Tennessee later in the month.

The timing of Heard’s arrival is opportune for Tennessee, as they had recently seen offensive tackle Gerald Mincey enter the transfer portal in January. Although the Vols missed out on some potential linemen from the portal, they succeeded in securing Heard. With the possibility of taking over the vacant left tackle position, Heard’s addition is crucial, especially after John Campbell Jr. hinted at a position change in a video earlier in the week.

Four-star OT Lance Heard (LSU)
Four-star WR Chris Brazell (Tulane)

Four-star CB Jermod McCoy (Oregon State)
Four-star TE Holden Staes (Notre Dame)
Three-star S Jakobe Thomas (MTSU)
Three-star CB Jalen McMurray (Temple)
Three-star TE Miles Kitselman (Alabama)
Three-star DL Jaxson Moi (Stanford)

Lance Heard is on the Freshman All-SEC Team pic.twitter.com/N7jbXCGIoj

— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) December 7, 2023

Hailing from Monroe, Louisiana, Heard was highly regarded as the No. 2 overall prospect from the state in the class of 2023, earning five-star rankings from On3 Sports and 247 Sports. In the transfer portal rankings by 247 Sports, he is considered a four-star prospect and the No. 18 player, as well as the No. 3 offensive tackle.

Heard becomes the seventh player Tennessee has recruited from the transfer portal this offseason, and his commitment is of great significance, particularly given the team’s reliance on second-year quarterback Nico Iamaleava. The Vols are also counting on the return of experienced offensive line players such as Cooper Mays, John Campbell Jr., and Dayne Davis. Still awaiting a decision from OL Javontez Spraggins, Tennessee is optimistic that Heard will make a lasting impact for them in the coming years.

Adding to the significance, Heard has family ties to Tennessee, as his cousin, Jeremias Heard, is a freshman lineman joining the Vols’ program. Jeremias Heard’s role on the team is expected to become more defined as he participates in spring and fall workouts.