5-star EDGE Jordan Ross Hints at Commitment Date, What We Think

2024 five-star edge rusher Jordan Ross (Birmingham, Ala.) is nearing a decision, and the Tennessee Volunteers are primed in strong position.

Tennessee has long pursued five-star edge rusher Jordan Ross knowing that his recruitment could go later into the year. Ross has publicly hinted at making an early national signing day decision, silently committing to a staff and waiting to make it public, or even waiting until the traditional signing period in February to announce. The Vols haven't worried about WHEN the date and have spent more time pitching Ross on his future if he picks Tennessee.

They aren't the only ones swinging in this one. SEC rivals Florida and Georgia got Ross in on official visits over the summer, and there was buzz surrounding each school after they hosted Ross. While these programs initially may have been expecting a later decision, they will get an answer sometime soon, according to Ross himself. On Tuesday afternoon, he took to social media to announce that he will have a public decision date soon, presumably deciding between Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee.

Commitment date coming soon…

— Jordan Ross (@jrr0ss_5) August 2, 2023

Ross's recruitment has been full of twists and turns. There was mounting speculation earlier this summer that he could end up in Gainesville, Florida, with reports indicating that Ross and his family enjoyed the atmosphere and program that head coach Billy Napier has built. However, conflicting reports emerged a few weeks after saying that Ross was likely not to end up at Florida, pointing things back in Tennessee's favor. While the Vols seem like the obvious landing destination, Ross again took to social media a few weeks ago and posted a thumbs-down emoji responding to a Tennessee fan account.

It all comes down to Ross attempting to protect his decision, which is well within his right. Volunteer Country doesn't currently have defining information about where Ross may end up, so I'll lay out the case for where I think Ross fits best. Again, this isn't a prediction, but more where I see things with a potential decision looming.

5-star EDGE Jordan Ross during his official visit to Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee, on June 23, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Jordan Ross)

First, I think you can count Georgia out of this one. The Bulldogs currently have 26 commits in the 2024 class, the most in college football. They recently added two top-100 defensive linemen and are holding spots for five-star safety KJ Bolden, five-star defensive end Williams Nwaneri, and four-star running back Nate Frazier. They will also continue working on five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, though I don't think that one ultimately goes in their favor. Bottom line, Kirby Smart and company are already carrying an-almost full class, and with other positions of need on the board, I don't see Ross in Athens, Georgia.

Ross's recruitment may strictly come down to NFL development. In my evaluation of him, Ross has Sunday traits, but he must go to the right college system. Florida and Tennessee present two compelling options, as the Gators have a successful defensive line coach in place that has coached NFL Draft picks and even spent time coaching in the league. Nonetheless, that resume doesn't compare to Tennessee defensive line coach Rodney Garner's. Garner has produced 34 NFL Draft picks and seven first-round draft picks while coaching SEC football for over 30 years. Today, I see Ross's best fit with the Vols.

Tennessee's 2024 Recruiting Class

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

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