Final UA Camp Notes
A few marquee events on the recruiting calendar draw national eyes. The Opening, Elite 11, and All-American games highlight the grouping, but prospect camps are a great way to evaluate the next talent wave.
The Under Armour All-American camp may have had the biggest collection of talent in event history on Sunday. Top prospects from across the southeast flocked to Atlanta, Georgia, for an afternoon of up-tempo workouts and one-on-one periods.
Over 100 P5 prospects attended, meaning several Tennessee targets made plays. Volunteer fans got a rush of recruiting news, as the off-field interviews made as many headlines as the on-field workouts. Prospects named their favorite schools, announced spring visit plans, and more.
While Volunteer Country could not attend the event, we had plenty of sources in the building providing updates from the afternoon action. Here are the biggest takeaways as we march toward the summer recruiting calendar.
Mike Matthews, Tennessee Sharing Mutual Love
Athlete Mike Matthews is a blue-chip prospect with one of the most interesting recruitments in the country. In previous years, Georgia, Clemson, and Tennessee have been active suitors, but Matthews has always kept a clean recruiting slate.
He and wideout Cam Coleman were the top two skill players on hand. Matthews made an array of dazzling catches, hinting at his transition toward receiver in college. However, the biggest news came off the field, as Tennessee and USC have reportedly emerged as the top contenders for his services.
Ethan Utley Becomes Name To Know
Defensive end Ethan Utley came into Sunday with zero rankings and zero stars; few knew the name outside of collegiate coaching staffs, but he made his presence known quickly.
Sources confirm that Utley was one of the consensus top players at the event, one of only four defensive linemen to take home MVP honors. Tennessee has offered the Nashville native and is the perceived favorite for his services.
Work To Do With Daniel Calhoun
Alabama and Georgia continue to separate themselves as the top two favorites for offensive tackle Daniel Calhoun, with the Bulldogs carrying a slight lead. Calhoun transferred to Walton High School this offseason after the head coach at his previous high school left.
He had an up-and-down performance on Sunday, but the highs remain enticing. Calhoun doesn't need much physical development and flashes high-end technique, though he may transition to guard.
Jalyn Crawford Excels
After Tennessee landed versatile safety Marcus Goree, they quickly pivoted to other secondary targets. Chattanooga native Boo Carter remains an obvious priority, but Georgia corner Jalyn Crawford caught Tennessee's eye.
Crawford is a long 6-0, 170 pounds, with the speed to match elite downfield receivers. He plays with physicality and doesn't get sped up during a route's progression; no receiver will throw Crawford off his spot.
He had an excellent camp on Sunday and is becoming a quick riser. Clemson, LSU, Auburn, and Tennessee are pushing hard; he visited the Volunteers and Clemson in January and has plans to visit LSU in April.
Jake Merklinger Sets Spring Visits
Tennessee's coaching staff has been relatively uninterested in the 2024 quarterback class. They have a few targets on their board but are preparing for a big move in the 2025 class rather than taking a big swing on the upcoming cycle.
Nonetheless, quarterback Jake Merklinger and the staff have frequently been communicating. Merklinger set four spring visits ahead of the camp: Tennessee, Michigan State, UNC, and Georgia.
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