Shaq-Attack picks Rocky Top
The decision to leave Louisville with just one year of eligibility left is definitely a role of the dice for defensive back Shaq Wiggins. Don't tell him that though because the confident corner believes in his ability and believes in his decision to be a 5th year graduate transfer at Tennessee.
"It's just a great situation and environment," Wiggins said. "They have great fans and it's really good football. Tennessee plays great teams and they already have great players. It was just a good feeling. I prayed about it and I was going day by day and the ability to think and go over it with my family, Tennessee was just the right place."
All of this, coming on the heels of two trips to Rocky Top over the last month.
"It was a good visit," Wiggins said. "There is an opportunity at Tennessee. I like the people there. I've been through the recruiting process and all that so I kind of can read through all the stuff that is legit or not."
Helping Wiggins feel good about his choice has been former Tennessee tailback Alvin Kamara. The two have known each other for a while and they have had similar paths. And just like Kamara thrived in orange after a brief stop at Alabama, Wiggins is hoping to do the same thing.
"Me and Alvin are very similar in our personalities," Wiggins said. "We have been knowing each other for a while now. We know what the process is like and what the feeling is like to go from school to school. Going to JUCO in Kansas or going to Louisville and sitting out a year. We have always stayed in touch and he gave me good insight on what he thought of Tennessee and the coaching staff."
Kamara departs his #6 jersey just in time for Wiggins to slip into it for this fall. It's a number he's worn for a long time.
Wiggins began his career at Georgia and started 2/3 of the 2013 season for the Bulldogs as a true freshman. During that season, his season high in tackles came against ironically, Tennessee. He would follow his former defensive coordinator Todd Grantham from Georgia to Louisville, where he collected 30 tackles and two interceptions in 2015 after sitting out the 2014 season.
Now, he'll add depth and potentially an instant impact playmaker to the Tennessee secondary with plenty of people he already knows.
"(Justin) Martin is from Atlanta and I've been knowing the Berry boys since elementary school," Wiggins said. "I pretty much know the boys since I was coming out of high school. Todd (Kelly) Nigel (Warrior), I've known them all for a while. So it did make things easier with the fact I've known them. I can adapt to anything."
New defensive backs coach Charlton Warren has made a big impact in a short amount of time with his current group of corners and safeties. He relates well to players and is very well thought of in football circles. Wiggins has just been around him during the last few weeks, but he's already seeing what Warren can do.
"I like how he explains things," Wiggins said. "He knows the in's and outs of the game of football. He is big on the mental aspect of the game with the coverages. He wants to make me a better player."
Tennessee could use the help at corner with no clear cut starters at this point. Justin Martin established himself this spring, but is still working to lock down his spot. Emmanuel Moseley is coming off shoulder surgery and hasn't been consistent during his time at Tennessee. Wiggins isn't short on confidence and he plans on making an impact in several different areas.
"I think I'll bring someone who has experience," Wiggins said. "I think I bring wisdom, confidence and energy. Just the ability to make plays and win. I think I'm a good teammate."
Wiggins was slated to visit South Carolina this weekend, but has cancelled that trip.