Ethan Utley Recaps Visit, Details Strong Relationships With UT
Tennessee has been well known for targeting in-state high school kids. Keeping in-state kids inside Tennessee has always seemed to be a priority for the Vols. That is the case with young defensive lineman Ethan Utley.
Utley is a ‘2025 four-star defensive lineman from Nashville, Tennessee, who currently plays high school football at Ensworth. He also provides elite size, coming in at 6'4 and 270 pounds as a junior.
The junior had the chance to visit Tennessee this past weekend as they took on Texas A&M at home, where they pulled in a win. “The atmosphere was great; fans were loud from before the game even started until after, and Rocky Top never fails to be electric. Just the comfort level I'm beginning to build there is making me more eager to come back” states Utley. This is not the first time Utley has visited Tennessee; the talented defender made a flurry of offseason visits and saw the win over Kentucky last season in Neyland Stadium.
The Vols had a dominant performance up front on the defensive side of the ball and impressed the young defensive lineman. “What impressed me the most was the constant pressure that was put on the quarterback. Just seeing how the line stopped the run and forced them to pass to get sacks was impressive,” said the Nashville lineman. He also had the chance to speak with head coach Josh Heupel and defensive line coach Rodney Garner while he was on his visit this past weekend. “I got to talk to Coach Heup and Coach G a lot, you know, just constantly building that relationship there. Ever since they could start contacting me, I have felt like a priority to Tennessee,” the young prospect confirms.
Utley also mentioned that he has a deep relationship with recently committed ‘2025 corner Dylan Lewis from Milton High School. “I have been friends with Dylan since the end of sixth grade, and we met because I was new to his school. He was like one of the three friends I had, and we have been close friends since." He also states, “It does a slight bit knowing that me and him have been friends the majority of our lives, and I know we value similar things, especially when it comes to football, and knowing that he is putting his trust in Tennessee's program shows the kind of path the school is on” when asked if Dylan Lewis committing to the Vols plays a factor in his recruitment.
Tennessee has made a big impression so far with Utley throughout his recruitment. The Vols are in a good spot and are believed by many to be a frontrunner and/or a top school for the instate defensive lineman. Make sure to keep an eye on this young talent.
2025 4-star DL Ethan Utley during a high school game his sophomore season. (Photo by Andrew Nelles of The Tennessean)
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