As a wise one, Susan’s mother or maybe it was Mark Twain, once said, there’s more than one way to skin a cat.

In this recruiting era of roll-out-the-red-carpet and high bid wins, Tennessee acquired a tight end over the telephone.

Trent Thomas, 6-5 and 254, had started a bunch of games at South Alabama. In two years combined, his primary offensive statistic was one pass reception for five yards.

Last season, he caught four for 34. He kept thinking he could do more than fight defensive tackles on running plays and help protect the quarterback so others could catch passes and score touchdowns.

Thomas entered the transfer portal. UConn noticed. Washington State showed interest. Florida offered a scholarship. He visited all three. Trent was leaning toward the Gators.

Alec Abeln

At Tennessee, tight end coach Alec Abeln was doing part of what he is paid to do, be on the alert during the transfer period in case a potential talent appeared. He spotted Thomas’ name.

Abeln’s first thought was there’s a difference between doing it in the Sun Belt and the SEC. The coach looked for video. South Alabama had played at Auburn in September. That might provide insight.

Abeln saw what the Jaguars’ coaches had been seeing all along, physicality and enthusiasm for the position.

“The dude dominated the C-gap,” Abeln said.

“Does this guy help us win? And the answer was absolutely.”

Abeln called to talk about Tennessee. Trent was aware of great facilities, big crowds and past success. Josh Heupel got involved in a Zoom call. Others contributed to conversations.

“After talking to the coaches and staff, I felt like Tennessee would be the best choice to develop me and get me quality playing time,” Thomas said.

“Develop me as a player in all aspects of tight end – in the run game, in the pass game, pass pro.

“Coach knows ball,” Thomas said of Abeln. “I could tell he’s passionate about what he does and he knows what he’s talking about.”

Thomas said yes, he’d like to play at Tennessee. Sign me up.

That was in January. Offensive coordinator Joey Halzle eventually stopped by Mobile to close the deal and complete the paperwork. Thomas did not visit Tennessee. He missed whatever pomp and ceremony he deserved, maybe a lavish meal or painting of The Rock.

OK, probably not that much. He’s just a tight end.

He did feel he had made a tight Tennessee connection in a short time. He said that shows it is more about people than things, “the people I met over the phone.”

Thomas did well in spring practice. He established the fact that he has hands. He figures to become what Miles Kitselman was and what Jack Van Dorselaer projected to be before he transferred to Oklahoma.

When Tennessee plays two tight ends in a formation, look for Trent. Ethan Davis or DaSaahn Brame will probably be the other.

Thomas grew up in Mobile. He was a basketball player and all-state in football, tough guy, offense and defense. He considered scholarship offers from Georgia Southern, Central Arkansas and Eastern Kentucky.

Scouting analyst Gabe Brooks described him as a high-upside talent who somehow slipped below the radar. Thomas stayed home. He was good at what South Alabama asked him to do.

The opportunity with the Vols is a reward.

Marvin West welcomes comments or questions from readers. His address is marvinwest75@gmail.com