National media outlet says Tennessee should target former 4-star recruit in transfer portal

On3's Jesse Simonton thinks the Tennessee Vols are one of the programs that should target Oregon State transfer running back Damien Martinez. 

Martinez, a former four-star recruit during the 2022 recruiting cycle, is expected to enter the NCAA transfer portal next week.  

From On3: Tennessee is very high on Dylan Sampson (604 yards, seven touchdowns in 2023), but the Vols could use another bell-cow back to pair with the rising junior. The in-between-the-tackles running game is what fuels Tennessee’s go-go offense, and Martinez is excellent at producing yards after contact (3.8 in 2023, per PFF). He would provide Heupel with another valuable weapon to support quarterback Nico Iamaleava.

Tennessee has some talented options at running back behind junior Dylan Sampson. But those options are unproven. Sophomore Cam Seldon, who suffered an injury during spring practice and is currently sidelined, had 25 carries as a true freshman in 2023. Those 25 carries are the most by any running back on Tennessee's roster not named Dylan Sampson. 

Martinez carried the ball 194 times for 1,185 yards last season at Oregon State. He would instantly provide Tennessee with another experienced option to play alongside Sampson. 

Ohio State running back Dallan Hayden, a Vol legacy (his dad, Aaron, played at Tennessee), is also expected to enter the NCAA transfer portal next week. Considering his connection to Tennessee, he could also be an option for the Vols if the program chooses to add another running back to the roster during the spring transfer window.