2025 Utah LB Taani Makasini Talks Tennessee Offer And More

2025 linebacker Taani Makasini (Provo, Ut.) was an early offer by the Tennessee Volunteers, and he updated his thoughts about the Vols with Volunteer Country.

The Vols like finding unheralded prospects on the West Coast and getting into the battle before it begins. They recently offered 2025 linebacker Taani Makasini, becoming only the fourth program to offer. He spoke about his interest in the Vols with Volunteer Country.

Makasini talked very highly of Tennessee when talking about how big of a deal it was to receive an offer from the Vols. "It means a lot that the coaches believe in me and want me at their school. It’s also a big deal because it is my first offer from an SEC school. I loved watching SEC football growing up and having the opportunity to play in that conference is really amazing. I think it’s a cool opportunity to play with and against some amazing athletes."

Recruiting analyst Aaron Amaama has already begun building a relationship with Makasini. The Utah native spoke about his connection with Amaama and the conversation when he got offered. "It was a great conversation. I’ve been talking to him for a while, and he always is super friendly and always checks up on me. It’s great to know that there are other Polynesians at Tennessee.”

Makasini projects out as a linebacker in college, though he has the ability to roam the backend. While he hasn't gotten too familiar with the Vols' defensive staff, he already has a connection to their defense. “Honestly, I haven’t talked to a lot of the staff yet, but I know the coaches are great, and they put their players in positions to make plays. Keenan Pili, one of the linebackers that currently plays at Tennessee, also played at my high school. I try to model a lot of my game after him, and seeing him in that system shows me that I could do well in their defense." 

Though Makasini is primarily a linebacker, his high school uses him as a safety when needed. Makasini sees this translating to the college level - "I think I’m really good at finding the ball and I’m versatile. I like to fly around and make plays against the run. I played safety last season and for one game this year, so I love to drop back in coverage and I think that will help me at the next level.”

He has shown high interest in potentially taking a visit. When asked about a visit in the near future, he responded, “I would love to take a visit. Right now I’m mostly focused on finishing up the season, but afterward, I would love to go down to the campus and go to a game." With Makasini being a junior, Tennessee has a good bit of time to attempt to build a strong connection and relationship with the young defensive prospect. It will be interesting to see where this recruitment goes and how Tennessee can play a factor moving forward.

Tennessee Volunteers ILB Keenan Pili during a win over Virginia. (Photo by Caitie McMekin of the News Sentinel)

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