Former Tennessee offensive lineman Chris Akporoghene is transferring to Tulsa, the former three-star recruit announced Thursday.
Experience has taught me growth. Adversity has taught me endurance. New beginnings comes with greater opportunities. I’m thankful to God for another chance to begin a new chapter of my story. #Blessed #ReignCane pic.twitter.com/6bQY1LbItp
— Chris Akporoghene (@yomzking) June 2, 2022
Akporoghene entered the transfer portal in January after earning limited playing time in his three seasons in Knoxville. The interior offensive lineman redshirted his first season and played only on special teams and in mop up duty during his redshirt-freshman and redshirt-sophomore seasons.
Akporoghene signed with Tennessee under head coach Jeremy Pruitt and offensive line coach Will Friend as a part of the 2019 signing class.
The 6-foot-3, 310-pound offensive guard came to Knoxville from Florida’s IMG Academy where he played his prep football. Akporoghene is originally from Nigeria before moving to the United States in 2016.
Akporoghene’s path to consistent playing time in Knoxville was thin after the Vols returned four of five starters along the offensive line. Tennessee’s starting offensive guards from last season — Jerome Carvin and Javontez Spraggins — are both back in 2022 as is the most used backup Ollie Lane.
Tulsa is entering head coach Philip Montgomery’s ninth season after posting a 7-6 record last season and a 6-3 record during the 2020 COVID-19 shortened season. The Golden Hurricane haven’t emerged as one of the best program’s in the American Athletic Conference, but have been a steady middle of the pack program under Montgomery.
Most of Tennessee’s starting offensive line is already set for next season, but the Vols still have a sizable question mark at offensive tackle. Tennessee is looking to replace Cade Mays. The Knoxville native earned Second Team All-SEC honors a season ago while playing right tackle.
