Trey Johnson's been in critical recruiting roles at both the University of Southern California and Liberty University, after his days as an undergraduate and graduate-student worker at the University of Tennessee.
But Johnson quickly bought in to the opportunity to return to Rocky Top three years ago, when the Vols hired Josh Heupel to replace the disgraced and fired Jeremy Pruitt.
Now Johnson's dedication is paying off.
Heupel & Co. have elevated Johnson to the role of director of recruiting for Tennessee football.
He fills the spot vacated when Angelia Brummett left to pursue different opportunities.
Most notably, Johnson played a critical role at Liberty within the past decade as the Flames, as he worked for Turner Gill but helped elevate the recruiting approach that set the foundation for success under Hugh Freeze and Jamey Chadwell.
California, notably, had severe restrictions in place but the Trojans, with Johnson and others, found ways to assist their current players and continue recruiting for the future.
Johnson held director of scouting and personnel roles with USC and Liberty; he also worked closely with both programs as a direct contact for NFL scouts and personnel.
In addition to his work with the Vols in personnel and scouting of high school prospects, Johnson has teamed with Brandon Lawson and the rest of Tennessee's beefed-up personnel department to assist with the program's NCAA Transfer Portal recruiting.
The Vols recently nabbed Notre Dame transfer tight end Holden Staes, LSU transfer offensive tackle Lance Heard and Oregon State cornerback Jermod McCoy among other key, experienced additions.
Tennessee, which capped its 2023 campaign when it bludgeoned Iowa, 35-0, in the Citrus Bowl, has been slated to open its 2024 season Aug. 31 against Tennessee Tech. The Vols agreed to face North Carolina State in Charlotte, N.C., the following week.