Tennessee looked to be in a strong position to land Donovan Haslam, the versatile offensive lineman out of West Virginia. After a visit to Knoxville earlier this week, momentum seemed to swing toward the Vols, with recruiting buzz suggesting a commitment could be on the horizon. But Haslam isn’t ready to shut things down just yet.
The 6-foot-3, 346-pound lineman is now planning a visit to Arkansas before making a final decision, keeping his recruitment open a little longer. That’s not entirely surprising - Haslam’s value in the portal is clear, and programs looking to bolster their offensive front are taking notice.
Haslam brings serious experience and flexibility to the table. Last season with the Mountaineers, he logged snaps at left guard, right guard, and left tackle - a rare trifecta that speaks to both his football IQ and physical tools. He began the 2025 campaign coming off the bench but earned a starting role down the stretch, locking down the left guard spot for the final five games.
In total, Haslam played 444 snaps last season, earning a 61.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. His pass protection stood out in particular, with a 74.7 grade in that area, while his run blocking came in at 59.7. Those numbers suggest a player who’s reliable in pass sets and still developing in the run game - but with the kind of size and experience that can’t be taught.
Before his time at West Virginia, Haslam spent three seasons at Austin Peay. An injury in 2023 led to a redshirt year, preserving a final season of eligibility. Across his college career, he’s logged over 1,200 snaps - a testament to his durability and consistency when healthy.
For Tennessee, Haslam checks a lot of boxes. The Vols have been looking to add a veteran presence to their offensive line room, and Haslam’s ability to play both inside and outside makes him a natural fit. He wouldn’t just be a depth piece - he’d have a real shot at cracking the starting lineup.
The Vols return three key starters in David Sanders Jr. at left tackle, Sam Pendleton at center, and Wendell Moe Jr. at one of the guard spots. They’ve also added LSU transfer Ory Williams, who’s expected to compete at right tackle. That leaves one guard position up for grabs, and if Haslam were to commit, he’d likely be in the mix there.
Of course, it wouldn’t be handed to him. Jesse Perry - another versatile lineman who can play both guard and tackle - and Sham Umarov are also in the conversation for that role. But Haslam’s experience and positional flexibility could give him an edge in what would be a competitive camp battle.
For now, Tennessee remains firmly in the hunt. But with Arkansas now in the picture, the Vols will have to wait a little longer to see if Haslam chooses to bring his talents to Rocky Top.