From Akron to Rocky Top: Why Archbishop Hoban's William Satterwhite chose the University of Tennessee

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound offensive lineman chose Tennessee because of academics and a chance to play

Archbishop Hoban offensive lineman Will Satterwhite sets up to block in a game against Iona Prep in 2022. Satterwhite has committed to play at the University of Tennessee. (Photo: Jeff Harwell)

AKRON, Ohio - Archbishop Hoban offensive lineman Will Satterwhite doesn't know the words to "Rocky Top" yet, but he will learn them after the 6-foot-3, 300-pound lineman announced recently that he would be continuing his playing career at the University of Tennessee.

"No, not yet," the four-star recruit said when asked if he knew the words. "But I will."

Satterwhite, the No. 11 player overall in the Class of 2024 in Ohio according to the 247Sports rankings, chose Tennessee over Clemson. Those were the only two official visits the offensive lineman made.

When he was making the decision, there were two factors that Satterwhite weighed heavily.

"It was the academics and the opportunity to get on the field early," Satterwhite said.

He felt like after talking to the Tennessee staff, playing for the Volunteers might give him the upper hand in the latter.

"They really see me as a player who can come in early and get a spot," Satterwhite said. "I just want to go in and show the coaches what I can do for them."

One of the other reasons Satterwhite will be headed to Knoxville is because of what he saw on his official visit.

"The atmosphere in the program and the energy the players and the staff showed was big," Satterwhite said.

As a key part of the Hoban offensive line last season, Satterwhite led the way for Ohio Mr. Football Lamar Sperling, as the running back ran for almost 4,000 yards and 54 touchdowns a season ago. That included a Division II state championship game-record 356 yards rushing on 40 carries.

He looks forward to trying to help the Knights win a state title this season before heading to Tennessee in January as an early enrollee. 

"Winning state is the number one priority," Satterwhite said. "(I look forward) to giving my all with my guys for one more year."

And by getting the commitment out of the way, the senior can focus on his last go round with his high school teammates.

"It's really good because it will help me focus on the season and I won't be focusing on recruiting," Satterwhite said. "I can focus on the o-line and getting ready for the season."

But once this season is over, will he be ready to throw on those orange and white uniforms and play at Neyland Stadium?

"Of course. I’ve been ready," Satterwhite said.