Tennessee's 2024 WR Board Post-Harrell Decommitment
The Tennessee Volunteers took a hit when they lost 2024 wide receiver commit JJ Harrell on Wednesday. Harrell was one of the top playmakers Tennessee had in the class, but amid rehab from an offseason surgery, he decided that he rushed into a decision. Tennessee now only has one pass catcher in the 2024 class, tight end Jonathan Echols.
There's no need for panic. Head coach Josh Heupel and wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope have worked in harmony since Pope's promotion and are in the running with several major receivers. However, they must act swiftly to make moves in their recruitment; the Vols can't afford to lose another "must-have" guy. Harrell was going to immediately raise the downfield ceiling of Tennessee's wide receiver room; they lost a potentially productive player and must look elsewhere to fill out their class.
Mike Matthews
Georgia native Mike Matthews has been trending toward Tennessee daily. Georgia, Clemson, Alabama, and USC are in the mix, but the Vols and Matthews are quickly falling in love. He connects with Pope and likes Tennessee's up-tempo pace. He has an official visit scheduled on June 23 with Tennessee and hopes to make a decision by the end of summer. Matthews' nuanced route-running and hands make him an easy fit in Heupel's system. He can create separation in the slot and split out wide, though he's best with the ball in his hands in the open field. He has been torching Georgia 7A defenders for three years; Matthews should have no trouble adjusting to SEC competition.
Ryan Wingo
Five-star wide receiver Ryan Wingo has had the Vols among his favorites for the entirety of his recruitment but recently has been flirting with other programs. Tennessee still feels comfortable and thinks that they are in the driver's seat, but five-star Georgia quarterback commit Dylan Raiola is pushing Wingo toward the Bulldogs. He will take four official visits this summer and plans to schedule an official visit with Tennessee in the fall for a gameday; Wingo will be committing near early national signing day. The Vols have pitched Wingo about taking a role similar to current wide receiver standout Bru McCoy.
Freddie Dubose Jr.
Tennessee has jumped into four-star wide receiver Freddie Dobuse Jr.'s recruitment. The Texas native got his first look at Rocky Top in late May for the 865 Live Event and called it the "best visit of my life." Dubose had the Texas Longhorns at the top of his choices for a long time, but immediately after visiting Tennessee, he scheduled an official visit on June 23. Dubose is a high-level track runner that boasts a 21.3-second 200-meter dash and a 24'2" long jump. He stands 6-0 and 189 pounds and brings a ton of speed and lateral ability.
Amari Jefferson
Four-star wide receiver Amari Jefferson may be the biggest riser in the 2024 cycle. Jefferson is committed to Tennessee to play baseball but seems to be open to committing elsewhere to play both sports. The Vols have offered in both sports and made his top six for football on Monday. Georgia, South Carolina, Miami, Alabama, and Oklahoma are the other five schools he will consider. He has official visits lined up with Georgia and Alabama later this month.
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