Three weeks ago, Tennessee offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian stated that there was no indication that Nathan Peterman was considering a transfer, even as the speculation suggested otherwise.
Since then, Bajakian has left for an NFL job. And now, it appears, Peterman is seriously considering a move away from Rocky Top as well.
Citing an unnamed source, Panther-Lair.com is reporting that Peterman is visiting Pittsburgh this weekend as he looks for a new spot to continue his playing career. The interest would make sense on multiple levels, and for both sides.
First, the Panthers are woefully lacking in depth behind starter Chad Voytik. In fact, Peterman could come in and challenge the incumbent immediately for the starting job as he would be a graduate transfer and thus eligible to play in 2015.
Secondly, Pitt’s new offensive coordinator, Jim Chaney, served as the Vols’ coordinator from 2009-12 and helped recruit Peterman to UT. Chaney abruptly left as Arkansas’ OC earlier this month to take the same job at Pitt.
A four-star member of UT’s 2012 recruiting class, Peterman was rated as the No. 8 pro-style quarterback in the country coming out of high school in Florida. After taking a redshirt as a true freshman, Peterman started one game in 2013, breaking his hand in that loss to Florida, incidentally, and one game in 2014.
With true sophomore Josh Dobbs the future for the Vols at the position, it would likely be a wise move for Peterman to get out and use his remaining two seasons of eligibility elsewhere.