Tennessee TE Target Roger Saleapaga II Cuts Recruitment Down To 10 Schools

Tennessee Volunteers tight end target Roger Saleapaga II has had several major schools enter the mix, and he took to social media to cut his list down.

Tennessee already landed four-star tight end Jonathan Echols, but the staff wants to take another tight end in the 2024 class. Their primary target for months was four-star Jaden Reddell, who ultimately chose the Georgia Bulldogs. The Vols pivoted and quickly found their next target, Roger Saleapaga II. 

The three-star Utah native released his top 10 schools on Friday, with Tennessee included. Auburn and Alabama are the only other SEC schools on the list, with a heavy west coast presence for the prospect out of Orem High School in Orem, Utah. He included Utah, Oregon, Washington, and UCLA from the current Pac 12, plus Miami (FL), Baylor, and Iowa to round things out. There is still a long way to go, but it is great for Tennessee to be included, especially with such a low level of SEC presence.

Saleapaga is a two-sport athlete, playing basketball in high school and football. On the field in 2022, the 6-foot-4, 195-pound tight end put up an impressive 1,267 yards in 13 contests, good for nearly 100 yards per game. He also scored 14 times on his 78 receptions, which is over one touchdown per game. He has the classic tall, athletic build of a tight end with a basketball background who positions himself well to “box out” defensive backs and high point the football to make contested catches. Despite his size, he has displayed great footwork and route-running ability, making sure not to rely too heavily on any one part of his game or skills. He has all the makings of a great over-the-middle and red zone target and would look great serving as just that in orange and white. 

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