Tennessee has lost several players to the transfer portal this week, none more important than senior defensive end Tyler Baron.
Baron walked off the field against Vanderbilt looking like he was headed to the NFL, but recent developments have led him to decide that remaining in college for another season is his career’s best course of action.
Baron had a solid final season on Rocky Top, totaling 28 tackles and six sacks.
He was consistently one of the most physical players on the football field, using his 6-5 and 260-pound frame to bully offensive tackles into the backfield.
He should be a highly sought-after commodity in the portal, and it shouldn’t take long for him to find a new home.
Alumni Hall at Turkey Creek held a meet and greet with two Vols who shared more than just the orange and white.
Nico Iamaleava of the football team and Zaido Puni with the Lady Vols softball team are cousins who aim to give back to the community.
At the meet and greet, Nico and Zaida met with fans who each received a poster, an autograph and a photo with the athletes.
“He’s so sweet, he doesn’t really like to go out because of the attention he gets, but he’ll never turn a fan down.
He never says no and it can be overwhelming but he won’t ever especially for kids.
He won’t ever deny a kid an autograph or a picture,” said Marleina Iamaleava, Nico’s mother.
On top of the meet and greet, Alumni Hall also unveiled Nico’s custom line of leis.
