Top In-State Recruits React to Hiring of Josh Heupel at Tennessee

Matt Ray | Jan 28, 2021

Josh Heupel became the 27th Head Coach in Tennessee football history yesterday. During his introductory press conference, Heupel stated, we have to keep kids in our state here. That is for multiple reasons. They are going to come play championship-caliber football, they are going to be developed, and they are going to have a chance to move onto the NFL. They are going to get a great degree and they are going to be empowered to live in this state once they are done with that degree. We have to do that inside of our own borders. That is going to come from me, it has to transcend through our assistant coaching staff, and it has to reside in every Vol fan here inside the state of Tennessee. Everybody has to bring energy and passion."

VR2 on SI caught up with several of the top in-state recruits for 2022 to ask what their thoughts were on the hire.

Elite Defensive Lineman Walter Nolen- Nothing really changed about my recruitment, but I just have to learn more about him and build a relationship with him.

Elite QB Ty Simpson- It is very intriguing. Love his offense.

Elite RB Dallan Hayden- I think it was a good hire. I know a little bit about him. He recruited Chase when he was the OC at Missouri and when he went to UCF, they scored a lot of points and had a lot of production.

Elite RB Jordan James- I don't really have a reaction because I don't know much about him yet. But I am glad Tennessee has got the head coaching thing under control, and I can't wait to meet him and the staff he brings in.

Coveted DL Gio Davis- I don't know him yet, but he seems like a solid coach.

Coveted LB Langston Patterson- I don't really know him, but I am looking forward to getting to know him.

Do-it-all Athlete Kaydin Pope- I would love to get to meet coach Heupel. Hopefully soon.

Dynamic Pass-Catcher Cameron Miller- I know the head coach is a winning coach because he came from a winning program, so it's going to be pretty good.

Heupel will likely hit the ground running on the recruiting trail while also assembling his staff in Knoxville.

Published Jan 28, 2021

MATT RAY

Matt Ray is the publisher of Sports Illustrated-FanNation's Volunteer Country, serving as a beat reporter covering football, recruiting, and occasionally other sports. Matt also is a lead analyst at Sports Illustrated All-American, Sports Illustrated lead authority in high school recruiting coverage. When not at work covering the Tennessee Volunteers or the recruiting trail, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife Destiny traveling the country.