Elite TE Kendre Harrison Recaps Weekend in Knoxville

2026 five-star tight end Kendre Harrison (Reidsville, N.C.) caught up with Volunteer Country to discuss his weekend experience with the Tennessee Volunteers.

Jan 1, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Huepel receives the trophy after / Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

2026 five-star tight end Kendre Harrison (Reidsville, N.C.) caught up with Volunteer Country to discuss his weekend experience with the Tennessee Volunteers.

Reidsville High School tight end Kendre Harrison is no stranger to the recruiting world. He's a composite five-star in football and basketball, amassing 39 offers in each sport. According to 247Sports' Composite Rankings, Harrison ranks as the No. 6 football prospect in the 2026 class and the No. 1 tight end.

He's played AAU basketball for a program out of Knoxville, Tennessee, and has familiarity with the area. That made the Vols an early contender for his services, and he got back to campus this past weekend while playing in a basketball tournament. "I love everything about Knoxville," Harrison told Volunteer Country after his visit. "It's one of my favorite places to be. It's a beautiful place, and nothing really bad happens there. I just love being up there."

Harrison has made a litany of trips to Tennessee since his recruitment began. He attended their home game against the Georgia Bulldogs and wanted to see more from the tight end group. However, after attending practice this weekend, he feels good about where the position is going at the University of Tennessee. "I saw them using the tight ends more than ever," he explained. "They got a Notre Dame transfer [Holden Staes], and the entire group kept raising the bar and energy for each other."

Practice viewing was a crucial part of his time on campus. "The intensity and tempo was there," he said. "I like a fast-tempo team that flexes out the tight end. They had tight ends out wide, in the slot, lined up in the backfield, had them putting their hand in the dirt. Just seeing how they flexed them out was really important to me."

Harrison measures 6-foot-7 and 235 pounds as a high school sophomore, a staggering size. However, even he was impressed with the group the Vols put out on the practice field. "I could see how they're built, the different attributes each had. Obviously they're more toned and their bodies are more mature than mine. But I definitley see myself in that position in a few years."

Tight ends coach Alec Abeln has taken the lead in this recruitment, making Harrison a priority. The two got to sit in meeting rooms and break down film together during this trip. "He keeps it real. Just him breaking down film to me, that really stands out so far."

You Might Also Like:

• Tennessee Learns Date For SEC Media Day
• CFB's "Next Wave of Superstars" Includes Nico Iamaleava
• The Good, Bad, and Ugly: Tennessee vs. Auburn

Join the community:

• Follow Evan Crowell on Twitter: @EvanVCrowell
• Follow Caleb Sisk on Twitter: @CalebSisk_

You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top right-hand corner of the page. Also, be sure to like us on Facebook @VolunteerCountry & follow us on Twitter at @VCountryFN.