Four-Star Ohio State DB Commit Jontae Gilbert Discusses Tennessee Visit

2025 four-star Ohio State defensive back commit Jontae Gilbert has a bunch of major suitors after him, yet one of the first programs he saw was the Tennessee Volunteers. Why?

2025 four-star defensive back Jontae Gilbert has been committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes since July 2022. The Georgia native chose to end his recruitment early in the cycle but is still exercising his options and taking college visits. He has seen eight programs since committing, and recently saw Tennessee twice within two months.

Gilbert is feeling the love from Tennessee. The coaching staff prioritizes building relationships with recruits that go beyond the football field, making them feel like a priority to the university, not just the football program. Two Tennessee assistants have been spearheading his recruitment - defensive coordinator Tim banks and defensive backs coach Willie Martinez. "Coach Martinez and Coach Banks really love me and and really want me. They call my coaches to check up on me, so I feel like I’m a priority to them." Those aren't the only interactions that Gilbert has noticed. Head coach Josh Heupel stopped by his school this spring and left a lasting impression on one of America's top defenders.

Heupel's message to Gilbert was simple. "I want you to come play for me and I need high-caliber players like you." Those words resonated with Gilbert, and he decided to get up to campus to see what Knoxville entailed. He thoroughly enjoyed his two trips and plans to be back soon, but Tennessee will continue to recruit him hard. "They are showing me love and they call every week to see how I’m doing. That right there is showing me that I am needed and wanted there." 

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