In a surprising move late in the transfer portal window, Tennessee's promising young tight end, Jack Van Dorselaer, has decided to take his talents to Oklahoma. After a solid freshman season with the Volunteers, where he made his mark as a versatile contributor, Van Dorselaer is now set to join the Sooners under the guidance of none other than UT legend Jason Witten.
Van Dorselaer recently shared insights into his decision on the ‘Portal Guys’ podcast, shedding light on the factors that influenced his transfer. "Tennessee was a great experience," he reflected.
"Playing as a true freshman taught me a lot about overcoming adversity and earning trust on game day. My initial plan was to return, but I found myself missing Texas and wanted to be closer to home.
Our quarterback, John Mateer, is a Texas guy too, and being around familiar faces just felt right. Plus, it makes it easier for my family to come to games with just a short drive."
The opportunity to learn from Coach Witten was another significant draw. "Playing for someone like Coach Witten is incredible," Van Dorselaer said.
"He's one of the best ever, and his experience in the NFL is invaluable. It's not just about improving my game, but also about handling off-the-field challenges.
His insights will be crucial for my development."
Van Dorselaer also praised the culture at Oklahoma. "The vibe here is fantastic," he noted.
"Even after just a few weeks, I can feel the high standards everyone is held to. It pushes us all to grow together."
During his time at Tennessee, Van Dorselaer appeared in 12 games, showcasing his skills as a reliable blocking tight end in 12 personnel formations. He caught five passes for 23 yards, including a touchdown in a dominant win over ETSU. With 180 snaps under his belt and a PFF grade of 48.1, he gained valuable experience, especially stepping up when injuries hit the team.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 236 pounds, Van Dorselaer has three years of eligibility remaining, giving him ample time to make a significant impact at Oklahoma. His journey with the Sooners is just beginning, and under the mentorship of Coach Witten, the future looks bright.