College football analyst says Tennessee Vols newcomer could become a household name in 2024

On3's Andy Staples detailed several freshmen/transfers this week that he thinks could become household names this fall and he included a key Tennessee Vols player.

Staples listed Vols offensive tackle Lance Heard as one of his six players that could become household names in 2024.

Heard, a former five-star recruit, transferred from LSU to Tennessee earlier this offseason.

From On3 : Had Heard played anywhere other than LSU, he probably wouldn’t have been in the transfer portal for Tennessee to grab. But with stars Will Campbell and Emery Jones locking down the offensive tackle spots for another year in Baton Rouge, Heard had to leave to get on the field. The result? Tennessee gets an uber-athletic tackle who can allow the Volunteers to keep expanding what they do in the run game. Heard, meanwhile, gets to line up against likely first-round edge rusher James Pearce Jr. at practice to get a taste of what life will be like each Saturday as an SEC starter.

If Tennessee is going to be a legitimate threat to reach the College Football Playoff in 2024, then Heard will have to play at a high level.

Heard is expected to handle the left tackle position for the Vols in 2024, which will push John Campbell to right tackle (Campbell, a Miami transfer, started at left tackle for Tennessee last season).

So far, Heard is having a solid fall camp. And going up against James Pearce and the Vols' elite defensive line every day should only make him more prepared for life as a starting offensive tackle in the SEC.

Related: Vols insider's comments on Nico Iamaleava during fall camp should get Tennessee fans hyped for the 2024 season