Faheem Delane Narrows Recruitment, Includes Tennessee

2025 five-star safety Faheem Delane (Olney, Md.) cut his recruitment down to five schools, and the Tennessee Volunteers are one of his finalists.

Tennessee continues to try and retool their defensive backfield, both in the immediate present and in future seasons. They took positive steps this season but lost six defensive backs to the transfer portal. The coaching staff still has their work cut out for them, but elite defensive backs are heavily considering Tennessee.

2025 five-star safety Faheem Delane is the No. 1 safety in his cycle, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. He cut his list down to five schools earlier this week and spoke with On3 about each of his five finalists.

• Alabama
• LSU
• Ohio State
• Tennessee
• Virginia Tech

"They’ve come out to see me a lot. They came out here last spring twice and came out here a few times recently, including a week ago to see me. Coach (Tim) Banks, he likes a versatile defensive back and that’s always something I can do by playing safety, by playing nickel. He lets his safeties be versatile and do many things, so that’s what I like about Tennessee." - Delane to On3 about Tennessee

2025 5-star S Faheem Delane during an unofficial visit to Ohio State. (Photo by Lori Schmidt of the Columbus Dispatch)

The offseason is almost underway for Tennessee football. The Vols have concluded the regular season and are now focusing on roster construction for the 2023 season. Volunteer Country has fans covered with all the latest portal entries and NFL Draft declarations. The portal window is from December 4 until January 2. If players don't transfer within that window, they must wait until May following spring practice to enter the transfer portal.

Tennessee's Offseason Player Movement

Former Vols In The Transfer Portal

• Warren Burrell, DB (Georgia Tech)
• Mo Clipper, OL (Charlotte)
• Brandon Turnage, DB
• Jack Luttrell, DB
• Addison Nichols, OL
• Tyler Baron, DL (Ole Miss)
• Doneiko Slaughter, DB (Arkansas)
• De’Shawn Rucker, DB
• Tamarion Mcdonald, DB (Ole Miss)

Transfer Additions

• Holden Staes, Notre Dame TE
• Jakobe Thomas, Middle Tennessee State S

Tennessee's 2024 Recruiting Class

• Jake Merklinger, QB
• Peyton Lewis, RB
• Mike Matthews, WR
• Braylon Staley, WR
• Bennett Warren, OT
• Jesse Perry, OT
• Gage Ginther, OT
• William Satterwhite, OG
• Max Anderson, OG
• Kellen Lindstrom, DE
• Carson Gentle, DE
• Jeremias Heard, DL
• Jordan Ross, EDGE
• Edwin Spillman, ILB
• Jordan Burns, ILB
• Marcus Goree, DB
• Kaleb Beasley, CB
• Boo Carter, S
• Edrees Farooq, S

You Might Also Like:

• Joe Milton III Stars On Senior Night As Vols Crush Vanderbilt
• Cooper Mays Not Participating In Senior Day Activities
• Creating Atmospheres - Why Saturday Is Reflective of Josh Heupel's Work

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.