Tennessee medically disqualifies seven-figure defensive line transfer after turbulent spring

Chaz Coleman, one of Tennessee’s most high-profile transfer portal acquisitions, has been medically disqualified and is no longer on the roster, a school spokesman confirmed.

The 19-year-old edge rusher had been dealing with some mental health issues, according to multiple reports about his rocky start at Tennessee, and left the team halfway through spring practice.

Coleman transferred to Tennessee from Penn State, following defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and other Nittany Lions assistants who made the move from Happy Valley.

Coleman appeared in nine games as a freshman and produced a sack, forced fumble and 15 pressures in 70 pass-rushing situations, according to Pro Football Focus.

He was one of the most coveted edge rushers to enter the portal, and Tennessee beat out Ohio State and LSU to sign him. Coleman was expected to earn elite defensive line money — in the $2 million range.

This could end up being an expensive miss for the Vols, who ranked fourth in the SEC last season in sacks per game (2.85) but have to replace five starters on their defensive front. Penn State transfers Xavier Gilliam and Amare Campbell were other noteworthy additions for the Vols from Knowles’ former defense.

Coleman is still technically on scholarship at Tennessee, and there’s a chance he could eventually rejoin the Volunteers. That doesn’t mean he’s getting paid in the meantime. Most, if not all, college athletes do not collect on revenue-sharing deals when they’re away from the team.