Who's Next For Tennessee?
The Vols added four-star wide receiver Braylon Staley (Aiken, S.C.) to their 2024 recruiting class on Friday afternoon. Staley was a big get for Tennessee, but they are just beginning a large recruiting run that features several high-profile announcements in the next few days. Tennessee spent June hosting dozens of prospects, and in July, they find out how the did. We examine the next few announcements and where the Vols sit with each.
Tennessee HC Josh Heupel
Daniel Calhoun, OT
Four-star offensive tackle Daniel Calhoun (Marietta, Ga.) has been a favorite of this coaching staff for a long time. He's visited Knoxville as much as any other program and has built a strong relationship with offensive line coach Glen Elarbee. Tennessee is still searching for a ready-made tackle that can slide in and compete for day-one snaps. Calhoun's 6-6.5 and 350-pound frame would allow him to battle for a starting job early. He announces his college decision on July 5, and it feels like Tennessee is sitting No. 3. The in-state Georgia Bulldogs are heavy favorites, with Alabama also ahead of the Vols.
Elijah Rushing, EDGE
Five-star edge rusher Elijah Rushing (Tucson, Ariz.) is a relatively new face in Tennessee recruiting. He scheduled an official visit a few months ago and had only been to Knoxville once prior. Tennessee did a strong job creating a conducive atmosphere for Rushing, something he did take into account. However, the distance continues to be a major worry for the coaching staff. Rushing will decide between Arizona, Notre Dame, Oregon, and Tennessee on July 6, and the feeling is that he likely remains on the west coast.
Braylen Russell, RB
Four-star running back Braylen Russell (Benton, Ark.) really likes the Vols. He appears to be down to Tennessee and Arkansas, an interesting wrinkle considering Russell was previously committed to the Razorbacks. He re-opened his recruitment on October 9 and has been highly interested in Tennessee since. The Vols have held the edge since his official visit earlier this month, but it will be interesting to see if they can hold that momentum until his announcement on July 14.
William Satterwhite, OG
Four-star offensive guard William Satterwhite (Akron, Oh.) has been down to Tennessee and Clemson for what feels like months. He hasn't been on any official visits yet and may not before he makes a decision. It feels like a summer announcement is pending for Satterwhite, though that could change. The 6-3, 295-pounder has felt the love from Tennessee's coaching staff for a long time, but this battle will go down until the final days.
Mike Matthews, WR
Five-star wide receiver Mike Matthews (Lilburn, Ga.) is trending Tennessee and has been for weeks. The in-state Georgia Bulldogs are the biggest threat to the Vols here, but Tennessee pushed their chips in on his official visit. The coaches eased a lot of Matthews's worries about the offensive scheme and are working daily to ensure they close this out. A decision is expected sometime around mid-to-late July.
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